Suarez: Why Stevie is one of the best
Luis Suarez believes it's much more than just Steven Gerrard's natural talent that is prompting the flood of tributes to the midfielder as he bids farewell to Liverpool and English football.
The No.8 played his 710th and final game for the Reds on Sunday ahead of a switch to America this summer, where he'll next ply his experienced trade for LA Galaxy.
Star names from around the game have sent special messages to Gerrard during the past few weeks - symbolising the deep respect felt for the Scouser by his peers.
Suarez has always spoken in such fond terms of his former teammate and repeated his personal appreciation during LFCTV's 'Gerrard: My Liverpool' documentary.
"Not just on the pitch, but outside the dressing room he is one of the best because he is so kind," said the Uruguayan.
"When he shouts, it's because what he says is true. He's one of the best because everybody knows he helped me a lot in my career.
"It was a dream for me [to play with Gerrard], because he is one of the best players in the world.
"I had watched him on TV and it was a dream to play with him at Liverpool. It was a pleasure to be on the pitch with Stevie."
Gerrard has lifted the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup as Liverpool captain, but was thwarted in his attempts to secure a much-wanted title.
With a free-scoring Suarez combining brilliantly with Daniel Sturridge in attack last season, the Reds came so close to winning the Barclays Premier League.
"Last season was brilliant," continued the forward, who spent three-and-a-half years in the same dressing room as the skipper.
"We tried our best to help Liverpool get back into the Champions League and also when we had a really good chance to win the Premier League it was for Stevie.
"Because he played in England for many years and never won the league - it's a little strange.
"He needed to win it and when we lost the title, it was sad for us and for him. But I think it was one of the best years for Stevie as well."