Guardian

Luis Suarez could quit English football if he continues to be “victimised”, says former Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli.

The Reds striker has been involved in a number of controversies since joining from Ajax in 2011.

“It’ll be an absolute shame for English football if this victimisation drives him away,” Comolli told BBC Sport.

“As the biggest league in the world you want to keep the biggest players, not drive them away for crazy reasons.”

Liverpool signed Suarez for a then club record £22.7m and the Uruguay international has scored 40 goals in 80 appearances.

But there have also been a number of unsavoury incidents, most notably the confrontation with   Manchester United defender Patrice Evra that led to Suarez being handed an eight-match ban for racial abuse.

The 25-year-old has been accused of diving and stamping, had a run-in with Everton boss David Moyes and his winning goal in Sunday’s FA Cup win at Mansfield was helped by the ball touching his hand.

Comolli was responsible for bringing Suarez to Anfield and believes the public and media should focus their attention on his talent.

“I find it extremely hard to understand why people look at all the bad aspects and not how good the player is,” said the 40-year-old, who was sacked by Liverpool in April 2012.

“He is a fantastic individual and professional - totally committed to his club, team-mates and job. He’ll give you everything, he’s a winner.

“People need to be very careful what they say and stop criticising him. He’s someone you’d want to go to war alongside. I don’t think you can captain Ajax as a foreigner at 21 years of age if you’re not a great individual.”

Liverpool are eighth in the Premier League, seven points off the top four and 21 behind leaders United ahead of Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford.

Much of the current squad was recruited by Comolli in a 17-month spell at Anfield that saw nine players arrive at a reported cost of £113m.