Shortly after the summer's World Cup in Brazil, Luis Suarez returned to the headlines after completing a transfer to Barcelona from Liverpool. With four days to go until his debut, we take a look at his time at the Blaugrana so far.
Suarez was found guilty of biting Giorgio Chiellini in a World Cup group stage match against Italy. Subsequently, a four-month ban from all footballing activities, handed to him by FIFA, prevented him from being presented by the club, who had just shelled out €94 million for his services.
The Uruguayan striker spent the next six weeks preparing an appeal against the ban and the case was eventually presented before the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), who reduced the ban, allowing him to resume training and play in friendlies.
However, the four-month duration of his ban for competitive matches was upheld. The good news was that Barcelona could finally present their new player with the number 9 jersey, previously worn by the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto'o.
Suarez made his first appearance in his club's colours in a friendly match against the under-18 Indonesian team, where he scored a brace for Barcelona B, and moved to quash any rumours that he may have lost his goal-scoring touch, following his extended break from football.
Then, a brand new debate opened up, as Suarez was pictured with his belly protruding underneath his jersey and it was reported that Barcelona's coaching staff were putting him on a diet after gaining weight in his time out of action.
To put these rumours to rest, Suarez returned to action for Uruguay just last week Monday and grabbed a brace, in a friendly against Oman.
However, Suarez will have to bear in mind that his opposition on Saturday, Real Madrid, will be making life difficult for him, and that goals may not come as easily against Barcelona's eternal rivals.
Not to mention, you can expect the Santiago Bernabeau to contain a palpable atmosphere, which will undoubtedly be against Suarez. It is, however, a certainty that Luis Suarez's performance in El Clasico will be writing more than a couple headlines on Saturday evening.
What do you think about Luis Suarez's career at Barcelona so far? Have your say in the comments section below.
