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Midfielder that played with Suarez says he probably left Liverpool far too soon

Luis Alberto’s time at Liverpool may have been short-lived, but it clearly left a lasting impression on the Spanish midfielder.

While many fans might have forgotten that he once donned the famous red shirt, Alberto himself still reflects on his time at Anfield with a mixture of regret and fondness.

After leaving Liverpool, he found success at Lazio, becoming a key player and building a career filled with individual accolades and team success.

Yet, as he revealed in an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, he wonders what might have been had he stayed and fought for his place at Liverpool.

Luis Alberto. Credit: Imago Images

Alberto admitted that he chose to leave in pursuit of regular game time, a decision he believes was driven by youthful impatience.

He said: “Even in Liverpool the dressing room was beautiful, I could have done more: I could have stayed there, but I was young and I wanted to play, so I went.”

Despite not featuring prominently for the Reds, Alberto holds no bitterness. Instead, he speaks fondly of his time learning at Liverpool, particularly under the mentorship of Luis Suarez.

Learning from Suarez and the Premier League experience

Alberto’s time at Anfield may not have yielded many appearances, but he credits the experience for shaping his career.

Reflecting on his relationship with former teammate Luis Suarez, Alberto described the Uruguayan striker as a “phenomenon” and a major influence during his time at the club.

Alberto recalls: “He is a beautiful person. A phenomenon, I was always with him. We were always at each other’s home. It was impossible to go outside the house without him [Suarez].”

Luis Suarez (C) of Liverpool celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Luis Alberto (L) and Raheem Sterling (R). Credit: Imago Imagfes

Suarez’s guidance was key to helping the young Spaniard learn both on and off the pitch, and their bond was so close that Alberto mentioned they were often inseparable.

Despite his limited time on the field, Alberto learned valuable lessons from training with elite players in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

“The Premier League is fantastic in everything,” he recalled, praising the league’s top-notch organisation and competitive environment.

Though he didn’t stay long enough to make his mark at Anfield, the experience was formative, leaving Alberto with an admiration for the English game and the camaraderie that developed in the Liverpool dressing room.

Luis Alberto may now be playing in Qatar for Al-Duhail, but his successful tenure at Lazio, where he became a beloved figure, is proof of his growth since leaving Liverpool.

Luis Alberto. Credit: Imago Images

He may have regrets about not staying longer at Anfield, but his career trajectory shows that sometimes, taking the harder path can still lead to success.