Luis Suarez said that he is ready to play for FC Barcelona in their first showdown with rival Real Madrid on October 25, which could be the striker's first appearance in a Spanish La Liga 'Clasico' match.
Suarez admitted that he was unsure about his playing shape a week ago. But after playing for Uruguay in their recent international friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Oman, the superstar said that he feels ready to compete at a high level anytime soon.
"A week ago, before the Uruguay games, I would have doubted if I was 100 percent fit," Suarez said via ESPN FC. "But I have played twice for Uruguay this week, and am in better condition than I thought I was."
Suarez, who was acquired by Barca via an €80-million transfer deal with Liverpool, said that he is looking forward to facing Real Madrid for the first time in an FC Barcelona uniform.
"I can say I am ready to play. I am really looking forward to it," Suarez said. "I must be patient, but not long now. To make my debut against Real Madrid would be very nice for me. I must wait and see if the coach wants me to play in that game."
Suarez, who recently made headlines after getting involved in another controversy when he bit Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, also accepted the European Golden Shoe award on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old forward shared the award with Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo after both of them scored 31 goals last season. Suarez was still playing for Liverpool back then, and he did not forget to share the award to his former teammates at Anfield.
"You cannot win these trophies without your teammates and the joint effort made every day," Suarez said. "I had three and a half spectacular years at Liverpool. The people there know what is important for me, just what happens on the pitch. Now I am moving on to a new period, in such a special moment for me."
