Luis Suarez believes that his old side Liverpool will find it impossible to replace departing captain Steven Gerrard both on and off the pitch.

The Reds’ iconic skipper’s move to MLS side LA Galaxy at the end of the season was confirmed earlier this week after the 34-year-old revealed that he would not be extending his contract at Anfield.

Gerrard has since disclosed that he would have committed the rest of his career to his boyhood club should he have been handed fresh terms over the summer, but the Merseysiders’ owners, Fenway Sports Group, were reluctant to present the ageing ace with a deal.

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Suarez starred alongside the former England captain last season as Liverpool narrowly missed out on a first ever Premier League title, and it was the midfielder who played a key role in ensuring the Uruguayan didn’t force a move to Arsenal in 2013.

The 27-year-old now plays for Barcelona following his £75m switch after the World Cup, and he believes that his former team will find it tough to cope without Gerrard:

“There are a small number of players in the world that are irreplaceable, and Steven is one of them. Not just irreplaceable as a player, but also as a captain, and what he represents for Liverpool.” He told The Mirror.

“Liverpool are a great team though, big players will want to play for them. They have great midfield players already there who can make a step up - and I am sure the boss is already thinking about replacements.

“Steven will always be somebody I respect as a player and a person. He has had a big impact on my career.

“He told me to give Liverpool another season and leave if Barcelona wanted me. That is probably the most important advice I have ever taken.”

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