'Telephone celebration against Barcelona not aimed at Ronald Koeman' - Luis Suarez
Atletico Madrid striker, Luis Suarez has denied that his telephone celebration was aimed at Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman following his heroics which led to his current club beating his former club 2-0 in LaLiga on Saturday.
Suarez scored Atletico's second goal of the night to give his side an easy 2-0 win, with the veteran striker opting for a telephone celebration, leading to speculation of his gesture being directed at Koeman.
The pair famously fell out at the start of last season following Koeman’s decision to sell him with the 34-year-old going on to inspire Atletico to the league title in 2021, though he reiterated that the celebration was not aimed at the Dutchman.
August 2020: Koeman told Luis Suarez he was too old to perform at the top level.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 2, 2021
May 2021: Helps Atletico Madrid win their first La Liga title in seven years, finishing as their top scorer.
October 2021: Scores a goal, gets an assist and defeats Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/m0Q6utmimC
“I am happy for the team’s victory, which is what we wanted. Barcelona is special to me, but my work is dedicated 100% to Atletico and we did everything to take the three points. (The celebration) It was for people who know I have the same number and I am still using that phone," he said as quoted by Marca.
“It was not for Koeman, not at all. I also did not celebrate fully out of respect for Barcelona.”
The 34-year-old who played a key role in Atletico's league title triumph last season, has continued his good form this campaign too, netting five goals in 10 appearances in all competitions so far.
The win on the night meant that they have are placed second on LaLiga table with 17 points, behind table toppers, Real Madrid who have the same amount of points - but have played one game lesser than their rivals.