Liverpool chairman Tom Werner that declared that Luis Suarez remains a central figure to his long-term vision at Anfield, while sharing that he has a great personal affection for the Uruguay striker.
The Reds rejected persistent interest from Arsenal in Suarez earlier this summer, despite the forward insisting that he wanted to leave in search of Champions League football.
He told The Mirror: "He is one of the great players of the world and we felt that we would be a stronger club with him than without him.
"That does not mean I don't respect his intense desire to play in the Champions League. But it would be a very happy day next May if and when we get to the Champions League by finishing in the top four and he is part of it.
"Our intention is to build a winning club and he is integral to that. The past is the past and I have great affection for him personally."
The 26-year-old has been in fine form since returning from a 10-match suspension last month, scoring three goals in two Premier League games for the Reds.
Liam Power
