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Melbourne: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers told Luis Suarez to think about the fans who have treated him like "a son" after the club's American owner laughed off a bid from Arsenal for the striker's services on Wednesday.
British media reported the north London club had offered 40 million and one pound ($61.47 million) for Suarez prompting Liverpool owner John W. Henry to ask on Twitter: "What do you think they are smoking over there at Emirates?"
Arsenal's unusual bid ties in with media reports that an offer of more than 40 million pounds triggers a clause in the Uruguay international's contract that says Liverpool must inform the striker of their Premier League rivals' interest.
"There's no doubt the market these days for top players is very small so Luis will always be linked with top clubs," Rodgers told reporters after Suarez made a cameo appearance in Liverpool's 2-0 win over local club Melbourne Victory.
"But I think the support that he's received from the supporters and the people of the city of Liverpool has been unrivalled.
"In the period of time, he's missed a lot of games for the club through various reasons. And the people have stood by him like a son and really looked after him.
"So I'm sure whatever happens in the coming weeks, that will be in his mind because it's certainly something you can never forget."
Suarez was due to discuss his future with Rodgers in Melbourne after rampant speculation about his future went up a notch following reports Arsenal had made a second bid for the 26-year-old.
Suarez has said he wants to leave Liverpool to play in Spain, blaming the British media for making his life impossible in England.
Rodgers, who left Suarez on the bench until the last 20 minutes in front of more than 95,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, said he had already shared several chats with his tempestuous striker since he landed in Melbourne.
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