Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez has been a huge success at Barcelona Getty Images

Former Liverpool star Luis Suarez has revealed he was inspired to sign for the Anfield club by Carlos Tevez. The controversial Uruguayan enjoyed a hugely successful three-year spell on Merseyside, but has revealed it was an ex-Manchester United player who convinced him to make the move from Ajax.

The 29-year-old striker took the club to within touching distance of the Premier League title during the 2013/14 season, narrowly losing out to cash-rich Manchester City. And Suarez has revealed it was Tevez – who played for United, City and West Ham United during his time in the Premier League – who convinced him to move to Anfield.

"When I was playing at Ajax, it was Carlitos Tevez who inspired me to try to play in the Premier League," the former Liverpool hero told ESPN. "I would watch him and I would think, 'If Carlitos can do that, why can't I? He is tiny against all those defenders.'"

Suarez left Liverpool in 2014 and has subsequently enjoyed a trophy-laden period at Barcelona, proving to be an instrumental player behind their La Liga and Champions League successes. Already this season, Suarez has scored more than 50 goals in all competitions and is one win away from retaining the La Liga title.

The Uruguayan is very happy at the Nou Camp, but has previously suggested he could return to Liverpool one day. "I'd prefer to stay here for many more years. I know it doesn't always turn out that way," he said.

"But if I had to return to the Premier League, I would only go to Liverpool. I wouldn't go to another team. It wouldn't be a move for money. I'd also love to play again for Ajax, as they allowed me to develop as a player in Europe."