Below is a translation of the open letter written by Jeffren Suarez, posted on FC Barcelona’s official site. You can find the original here.

The moment to say goodbye has arrived. A moment of mixed feelings. I feel my own sadness in saying goodbye, and which must be said quickly, to FC Barcelona. This city and this club have given me so much these past years, from the time that I arrived as a boy, and to the time that I now say goodbye to continue pursuing the same dream that one day carried me from Tenerife: to succeed in the world of the football. I’m grateful to all levels of the organization and to each and every one of the people who form part of this great club. Truly, to each one of them, and of course to my teammates and my fans, many thanks. I carry with me to Lisbon a thousand and one memories, a thousand and one anecdotes, a thousand and one happinesses… and also these hard experiences that you all know that I have lived, but that, without doubt, have helped to make me stronger.

With FC Barcelona I debuted in the Champions League, in the First Division and the Copa del Rey; I rose with the reserves to the Second Division B, we won all the titles and I formed part of what for many is the best team in the history of football. I also think so. Because of this, I cannot feel anything other than a tremendous pride after having defended, with the maximum commitment, this shirt. Of course I would have liked to play more minutes, to score more goals, to make more assists, in total, to have contributed more to FC Barcelona, but it’s not to be. I leave sad, afflicted, but without begrudging these things and with a lot of excitement, conscious that each day I have tried to give everything for this Club that I carry inside me.

Now I leave behind me FC Barcelona and I welcome, with all my heart, Sporting Clube de Portugal. I know that the motto of my new team is hard work, dedication, devotion and glory, and from now on, I will put all that is necessary for my part for each one of these words to become a reality. I go where they have shown the most interest in my signing, where the most affection was shown to me, and where I know that I can help to do big things. I promise to give my best to return that confidence. I hope to make my new fans happy. Sporting de Portugal is my next destination and football will continue being my grand passion.

Visca el Barça… i Visca l’Sporting Clube de Portugal.

Jeffren Suárez Bermúdez