• Premier League

Suarez vows to fix his reputation

Luis Suarez put in a determined display at Old Trafford in midweek © Getty Images

Enlarge

Luis Suarez insists he is a changed man after returning from suspension and is determined to repair his tainted image.

Suarez returned to the pitch in Wednesday's Capital One Cup defeat to Manchester United after serving a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

The Uruguayan is likely to play his first Premier League match of the season when the Reds travel to Sunderland on Sunday and understands he must learn not to react when provoked by opposition players.

"I want to triumph in England," he said. "During the months I was off, I meditated very much because of my desire to break the false image that I believe the supporters have of me at the moment.

"I am really serious about this. And when I play, I want to stay isolated on the pitch to avoid the provocations from rivals.

"This is the key to keep things on the level. I know the Liverpool fans are with me. Despite the controversies I have been involved in, I received many letters demanding that I stay at Anfield."

The 26-year-old also reflected on a tumultuous summer off the pitch, with his future at Anfield put in doubt as a number of European clubs circled for his signature.

"It was an unusual and difficult summer concerning the chances of Liverpool selling me," he added. "Some clubs sounded me out but Liverpool made a decision.

"My future? I'll speak again at the end of the season. Now I am back and my dream is for us to improve on last season and fight for trophies. We have a good squad and have opened the season well after a difficult summer. I have the confidence of manager Brendan Rodgers, who was happy to let me return at a difficult place like United."

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd