Luis Suarez has detailed a transfer plan involving Arsenal, Real Madrid and Karim Benzema that could have completely changed the course of football in the 2010s.
Ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Suarez was being linked with a host of Europe's top clubs after a memorable campaign with Premier League runners-up Liverpool.
As well beating Daniel Sturridge and Yaya Toure to the Golden Boot award after scoring 31 goals in 33 games, the Uruguayan forward scooped the PFA Players' Player of the Year.
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He was quite simply unplayable at times and as a result of arguably the greatest season of his career, Suarez was wanted by La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
In fact, Suarez recently opened up on the proposed deal to Los Blancos, and it appears a famous bite on Italy's Giorgio Chiellini played a huge part in the failed transfer.
Speaking to Uruguayan radio program La Mesa, he said: "Before the 2014 World Cup, Real Madrid wanted to sign me and everything was on track. They were planning to sell Benzema to Arsenal, it was all done.
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"When the World Cup started, Barca joined the race, and obviously I preferred Barca. With the bite situation, Madrid lowered their interest, and Barca became more interested.
"In the end I had both options and I chose Barcelona because it was my dream."
So there we have it. According to Suarez, a certain Karim Benzema was close to joining Arsenal in the summer of 2014 – and there were rumours surrounding a possible deal.
A report from the Metro in 2014 suggested Arsenal had 'arranged a meeting' with Madrid to discuss a summer deal for the French forward worth £25 million.
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But as we all know, Suarez went on to join La Liga rivals Barcelona in the summer of 2014 for a fee thought to be about £75 million.
In the interview with La Mesa, Suarez also revealed his retirement plan, just weeks after joining Inter Miami.
“Yes, I cannot be more sincere and the family already knows," he said. "The date is not yet set, but this is the last step.
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"I am prepared for this last challenge but it is also exhausting and I have to think about having a quality of life afterwards.
The former Liverpool striker also ruled out a move into management after his playing days are over,
“I don’t want to do it, it’s worse than being a player because of the hours of work, it requires more time.”
Featured Image Credit: DelSol 99.5 FM/YouTube - Getty ImagesTopics: Luis Suarez, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Uruguay, Transfers, Karim Benzema