Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre insists Luis Suarez will not be sold despite his latest controversy in biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.
The striker has been fined by the club, with the player asking for the money to be donated to the Hillsborough Family Support Group, but there is no question of him being offloaded in the summer despite worldwide condemnation of his inexplicable actions in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield.
"It affects his future in the sense that we have to work with him on his discipline - but Luis is a very important player to the club," Ayre told liverpoolfc.com. "As we keep saying, he signed a new four-year contract last summer and we'd all love to see him here throughout that contract."
He added: "He's a fantastic player, top scorer and everything we'd want in a striker, so there's no change there. This is more about getting him back on the right track and it's largely down to (manager) Brendan (Rodgers) now to work with him on that side of his character."
After Sunday's match Rodgers said discussions about what action to take over Suarez would involve owners Fenway Sports Group. Ayre confirmed they had taken place and FSG fully backed the decisions taken.
"With any incident like this, any major incident at the club, we're in direct dialogue with the owners, always," he added. "I spoke to them last night and they were happy with the way we were handling the matter.
"I think the most important thing is that we acted swiftly yesterday. Luis issued his apology and then we spoke with him last night and then again this morning."
But Ayre stressed the issue would not end there with Rodgers, who has a close relationship with Suarez, determined to tackle the player's ill-discipline.
"We've taken action to fine Luis for his actions," he said. "Brendan has spoken to him and I've spoken to him and Brendan will be working with him further on his discipline.
"We'll work with Luis - Brendan particularly - on this side of his character in his game. Hopefully that puts the matter to rest from our point of view and we'll wait and see if there's any further action from the football authorities."
Source: PA
