Why persecuted Suarez isn't alone in Barcelona

Luis Suarez admitted he "felt like a footballer once again" after the Court of Arbitration for Sport overruled FIFA's decision to ban the 27-year-old from "all football related activity" and allowed him to begin training with Barcelona. 

It brought to an end a difficult period in the Uruguayan's career, who had arrived in a new city but had been prevented from working with his new colleagues.

He was not alone in that time, however. Not only could he count on his wife - whose family resides in Castelldefels, just outside of Barcelona - but he could also turn to a friend who he had shared his lowest moments with at this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Espanyol forward Christian Stuani had been in the Uruguayan squad which exited the competition to the backrop of Suarez's bite on Italy's Giorgio Chiellini.

Naturally, before everything kicked off, the two had already shared a conversation about the former Liverpool striker's move to Barça.

"I had spoken to Luis [about the transfer], but we were focused on the seleccion," Stuani explained.

"Since then we came back to Barcelona together, though. He just wants to return to the pitch and I'm sure he will be really happy here. 

"Without doubt he is a great footballer. As a colleague of his with Uruguay I can say that he is a great person to have around and a really good teammate.

"I hope that everything goes really well for him, although against [Espanyol] that it is not his day! I wish him all the best."

Stuani was speaking to SPORT after Espanyol were beaten by Sevilla at Cornella on Saturday night. He was on target with a looping header after Carlos Bacca and Vicente Iborra had put given the visitors a two goal lead, but Los Pericos couldn't find a late equaliser, eventually losing 2-1.

"We have lost an important game," the 27-year-old admitted. "I think the result was a little unfair though. We deserved a draw, but sometimes things are like that."

After the defeat to Unai Emery's side, Espanyol are left with one point from their first two games. However, Stuani, who has only been recognised by his country in the last two years, hopes his experience at the World Cup can benefit the club this season.

"It's a unique tournament and I enjoyed it to the maximum," he said. "Without doubt I have gained a lot of experience from playing in Brazil. It was a unique experience and I feel really fortunate to have been part of my national side.

"Now I want to continue playing at the top level and I can't wait to have another chance to repeat the repeat the experience."