Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 9y

Luis Suarez '100 percent' ready for Barcelona debut at Real Madrid

Luis Suarez wants to open "a new chapter" in his career ahead of a potential Barcelona debut against Real Madrid in Saturday's clasico at the Bernabeu.

Suarez left Liverpool for the Camp Nou in a deal thought to be worth around 80 million euros this summer, but the Uruguay international has been restricted to training for the Blaugrana as he serves a four-month ban from FIFA for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup, which was later reduced to only cover competitive matches on appeal.

On Friday, however, the ban ends, and the 27-year-old striker could make his first full Barca appearance in the high-profile Primera Division clash a day later.

"I am ready," he told German football magazine kicker at an award ceremony in Barcelona.

"I am at 100 percent. Not long ago, I would not have said that, but I feel very good after the two international games for Uruguay," Suarez said, citing the two friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Oman last week, in which he struck two goals, set up one more and played close to 150 minutes in total. "Yes, I am at 100 percent."

"I want to open a new chapter," he said, and told the paper that Barca coach Luis Enrique expects "that I play just like I train, and thus in central attack. And I will try to satisfy his wish."

Suarez -- who scored 69 goals in 110 league games for Liverpool -- insists he has moved on from his punishment, adding: "I've learnt that you need to accept criticism when you behave wrong.

"The media focus is on me because of those things, I am realistic about that. It was difficult at first, my only wish was to be allowed to train with the team."

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