Barcelona transfer talk no surprise to former director – ‘Suarez has Juventus DNA & will thrive alongside Ronaldo’

Barcelona transfer talk no surprise to former director – ‘Suarez has Juventus DNA & will thrive alongside Ronaldo’

Ariedo Braida, who has previously worked in Spain and Italy, believes a proven Uruguayan striker would be a success story in Serie A
Luis Suarez has Juventus “DNA” and would have no problem slotting in alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at the Serie A champions, says former Barcelona director Ariedo Braida.

A move to Italy is being mooted for the Uruguayan frontman amid efforts at Camp Nou to freshen up the squad.

Ronald Koeman is said to have informed Suarez that he does not figure in his long-term plans, paving the way for a prolific 33-year-old striker to head elsewhere.

Juve are not about to let that opportunity pass them by, with the Bianconeri moving quickly to make their interest known in a proven performer.

It could be that Suarez is taken to Turin to partner 35-year-old Ronaldo, with the Italian giants leaning heavily on experience.

Braida believes that could be a positive for Andrea Pirlo’s side, with there every reason to believe that Suarez – who has previously starred for Ajax and Liverpool – will be a success story in new surroundings.

A man who worked at Camp Nou until August 2019 and previously spent several years in Serie A as general manager at AC Milan, told Tuttosport of the Suarez speculation: “I’m not surprised about his Barcelona exit because football is about cycles.

“Even Cristiano Ronaldo left Real Madrid because he felt his time there was over.

“Suarez is a fighter and his battling spirit infects the rest of his teams. He has character and the DNA to play for Juventus and other big clubs.

“If he is motivated, he’ll be a strong signing even at 33 years of age.”

Quizzed on whether the South American can thrive alongside a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Braida added: “He won’t have problems playing with Ronaldo.

“They’ll understand each other perfectly because they’re two natural winners.”

Suarez has spent the last six years on the books at Barcelona, registering 198 goals through 283 appearances.

He has struck up a formidable partnership with Lionel Messi down the years, but could soon be paired with the Argentine’s eternal rival in Turin – with Juve looking to move Gonzalo Higuain out as they clear the path for another frontman to be acquired.