Poyet warns Liverpool could lose Suarez

Brighton manager Gus Poyet fears Liverpool striker Luis Suarez could walk away from the Premier League this summer.



Former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder Poyet has acted as a mentor to his fellow Uruguayan since the striker moved to Anfield in January 2011.



Suarez has not avoided controversy in his time at Liverpool, receiving criticism for diving, as well as receiving an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.



Poyet, who was introduced to Suarez by mutual friend Diego Forlan, believes the season has not been an easy one for the striker, who has been linked with a move away from Anfield.



"I don't want to lose him," Poyet said. "But it was difficult for him and a difficult time. He was worried about everything that happened and it was a shock.



"It was a difficult time when you are out. Remember, he wants to play football. He wants to stay on the pitch but he was out and it was difficult to understand, because of the language."



Poyet likened Suarez's situation to that of former Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who left Old Trafford in an £80 million move to Real Madrid in 2009. Poyet believes Ronaldo's departure was a loss to the Premier League, and believes Suarez, who has been linked with a move to French giants Paris Saint Germain, could be tempted by a move to a big club on the continent.



"I know he is learning a lot. I hope we can keep him. Ronaldo left and I said, 'Why?' I think we shouldn't lose these players," Poyet said.



"If you leave Liverpool, you have to be leaving for something bigger. You don't leave for a smaller club."



That said, Poyet, admitted the striker appeared settled in Liverpool when his Brighton side lost 6-1 at Anfield in the FA Cup.



"I speak to him quite often - I am not saying weekly, but every now and then," Poyet said. "We spoke [then]. His family was there and I think he looks happy to me.



"It is important his family is happy as well and they help him a lot at Liverpool. It is a matter of time until he produces again - who knows, maybe the FA Cup. I am sure he will show his quality because everyone knows he is a very good player."