Luis Suarez has revealed he almost joined Real Madrid before Barcelona as a replacement to the then unwanted Karim Benzema.
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Suarez could have joined MadridBenzema could have moved to ArsenalMSN went on to become one of greatest attacksWHAT HAPPENED?
During an interview with DelSol, Suarez opened up on a potential move to Real Madrid which hinged on Karim Benzema leaving to join Arsenal. The legendary Barcelona forward explained how his infamous bite on Giorgio Chiellini in the 2014 World Cup and subsequent ban turned Los Blancos off a move for him and meant Benzema stayed in Madrid.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT SUAREZ SAID
On a potential move to Madrid, Suarez said: "Before the 2014 World Cup, Real Madrid wanted me as they wanted to sell Benzema to Arsenal. Barcelona at the time was [also] interested and Luis Enrique was pressing.
"The bite case happened and Barcelona continued to want to sign me despite the punishment. I will always be grateful for that."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Suarez went on to join Barcelona and form a front three with Messi and Neymar which became one of the greatest attacking trios in the sport's history. However, Madrid's patience with Benzema did come true eventually and the Frenchman departed the club having won a Ballon d'Or, five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles. Arsenal, meanwhile, signed Danny Welbeck that summer and have yet to really solve the striker problem that has plagued them for years.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR SUAREZ?
Suarez has recently signed for Inter Miami and has joined up again with Lionel Messi. Had the Uruguayan made that move to Madrid to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, he may well have been tempted to join Al-Nassr instead.