Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan striker, has revealed that he was close to joining Real Madrid before the 2014 World Cup.

This period was a pivotal moment in his career, coming off the back of a successful season with Liverpool in the English Premier League.

However, his move to Real Madrid did not materialize, and he eventually signed for Barcelona after the World Cup.

Speaking in an interview with radio station DelSol 99.5 FM, Luis Suarez 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. 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 Barca because it was my dream.”

The bite situation Suarez was referring to was his clash with Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in Uruguay’s final group game, where the striker was seen taking a chunk out of the centre-back’s shoulder with his teeth. 

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