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Luis Suarez has spoken of his delight at being crowned the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year.

The Uruguayan striker, who also won the PFA Player of the Year, was recognised for his 31 league goals which led Liverpool to second place in the Premier League.

Suarez topped the poll of 300-plus journalists ahead of team-mate Steven Gerrard.

It's also reward for the manner in which Suarez has cleaned up his act on the field. A year ago he received just two FWA votes after his performances were overshadowed by his bite on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

“Of course it’s a great day because after my last year this prize is amazing for me and I think for the club as well,” Suarez said.

“A lot of big players have won this prize. Thank you so much to all the writers who voted for me because they recognise my job on the pitch and they know that I try my best to help the team. I think the Premier League is the best league in the world and for you to recognise this is amazing for me.

“It was a difficult time one year ago. When you see on the internet, you see in the newspapers the criticism of yourself, it’s difficult. I accept the criticism.

“If you have children, you can change for that. Maybe in a few years your children can see on the internet what their dad was doing.

“If you have people around you to help you and help the team it is very good. I knew when I started this season that if I didn't do anything wrong then people can say nothing of myself. I am easy guy outside of the pitch and on the pitch I know I change because I love the football.

“South American players are so different. You can see a few years ago Carlos Tevez was the same and Sergio Aguerro is the same.”

Suarez also expressed his pride at breaking Robbie Fowler's club record of 28 goals in a Premier League season.

“This is a little surprise because a few years ago when I was a child I used to see the Liverpool games and Robbie Fowler for me is one of the best players in Liverpool's history,” Suarez told Sky Sports News.

“Then I pass him, it is amazing and a little surprise for me. I enjoy this moment because it is not easy to make 31 goals in the Premier League and without penalties as well and this is important for me.

“I do everything to help the team but for me I think the most important goal this season is not me, it is Philippe Coutinho's against Man City - for me that was the best goal, the best moment of the season.”

Suarez, who was unable to attend the awards due to his World Cup preparations with Uruguay, is relishing the prospect of gracing the Champions League with Liverpool next season.

And the 27-year-old, who penned a new long-term contract last December, has reiterated he's happy on Merseyside – despite ongoing speculation about Real Madrid's interest in securing his services.

“The most important way is we focus on the Champions League. It is a good moment for the club to step up from the Europa League,” he said.

“The Premier League is difficult. I think (Manchester) City will have more players by then and Chelsea as well, United as well. It’s difficult but in football you never know.

“If we continue on this level we can stay in the top four but we need to stay calm and to concentrate.

“I signed a contract because I love it here and I am so happy here. If you are not happy here you do not sign a new contract.

“It is a dream because the Liverpool stadium is unbelievable, the fans are the 12th man because they help so much and they know what is important. My family as well help so much.

“The Liverpool team for me is one of the best in the world because nobody here in the dressing room thinks they are better than another. The people here work together very well. This is a mentality I like.”

Suarez also paid tribute to the support he has received from manager Brendan Rodgers and captain Steven Gerrard.

“Of course Brendan is an important person because he has helped so much in my career and I like the way he manages,” he said.

“He wants you to pass the ball on the floor and this for the strikers is very important because if you have a manager who likes long ball it is difficult. That’s why I love him.

“I can say Steven is the best player I play with and Coutinho as well. They are the two best because they are so clear minded. Stevie, everybody knows he is important in my career, he is the best player in the Liverpool history and he is such an example as the captain because the helps the team, the players, the staff, he helps everything.”

Suarez will line up against Gerrard next month when England face Uruguay in the World Cup.

“That’s difficult because I try to help my country and he will try to help his country,” he added.

“It is difficult because outside the pitch we are really good friends but on the pitch we forget everything. He'll kick me, I'll kick him, it’s normal in football.”

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