Luis Suarez didn’t have a great night upon his return to Anfield on Wednesday .
The Uruguayan striker was a hero at Liverpool, scoring 82 goals in 133 appearances and almost single-handedly led them to the Premier League title during the 2013/14 season.
However, his behaviour for Barcelona during their Champions League semi-final clash against Liverpool in 2017/18 didn’t go down well with Kopites. His wild celebrations after opening the scoring in the first leg were understandable given the occasion. But his battles with Andy Robertson, in particular, was deemed disrespectful by many and his hero status on Merseyside suffered somewhat.
Just how much it had suffered was discovered on Wednesday as Suarez was roundly booed by the home crowd when his name was read out ahead of Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.
Suarez’s night was summed up when he saw a second-half goal disallowed by VAR for offside.
When he was substituted in the 59th-minute, it’s fair to say the reaction was mixed. Many parts of the ground gave him a standing ovation. However, boos could also be heard. Some Liverpool fans probably booed and clapped at the same time.
While the supporters may be confused with their feelings towards Suarez, it seems Jordan Henderson still holds him in high regard.
In a video captured by Goal’s Neil Jones, the Liverpool captain can be embracing Suarez at full-time as they walk off the pitch with their arms around each other.
VIDEO: Henderson and Suarez share beautiful moment
Beautiful.
While they shared a lovely moment after the match, the former teammates also spoke fondly of each other ahead of the match.
Henderson admitted Suarez’s incredible attitude at Liverpool rubbed off on him and other teammates.
"He produced so many good moments at Liverpool and I learnt a lot from him when he was here," Henderson said.
"I think when Luis was here he was phenomenal for a number of years. He was outstanding and I think the fans know and the fans will appreciate that and what he did at this football club.
"I took a lot, I think he helped us a lot when he was at Liverpool. Mentality side of it, how he was in training. He always wanted to win.
"He played through things that he played through in terms of pain barriers and things like that. He just wanted to get out, play football and do his best for the team.
"I took a lot from him when he was here. I think he helped me massively. Made me grow in confidence as a player. I had a good relationship off the pitch but on it as well."
Meanwhile, Suarez believes Henderson has improved considerably as a captain.
“I think that, as a captain, he has matured a lot," Suarez said.
“During his career, he has helped the club grow, with his personality and playing better football.
“He’s a role model for English football. Winning a Premier League title with Liverpool must have been fantastic for him, and it's made him greater than he already was.”