Luis Suarez remains close to Lionel Messi

Luis Suarez has revealed that he remains in close contact with his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi despite leaving the club this summer.

Luis Suarez is still in contact with former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi.

The duo formed a close bond on and off the pitch at the Nou Camp before Suarez was sold to Atletico Madrid this summer, but the Uruguayan revealed that the pair are still in contact – though they don’t talk about the game.

Suarez told Marca: “The truth is that we speak a lot, but honestly we talk about our life.

“It was recently the birthday of one of my children, also his. We talked about life, the virus, everything, but very little about football, about the goals we miss or about tactical systems. We worry more about how the family is than about what happens in football.”

Suarez revealed that he felt “sad and hurt” about his Barca departure but has now found “happiness” at Atletico.

He explained: “I was sad and hurt by the way I left – I already said it. But when they close a door, five more open to you where they value my work, professionalism and trajectory. I feel proud.

“Where they did not want me, there was another that wanted me. I found happiness and I’m enjoying this moment now.”

Barcelona have struggled for goals at times so far this season but Suarez refused to be drawn on suggestions that the Catalans are missing him.

He said: “No, there was tactical planning or, whatever you want to call it, that sought to make changes. I had to accept it because they didn’t need me.

“Each person can draw conclusions. I have to live my present at Atleti.”