Luis Suárez: The Moments That Made Them

Summary

The Rest Is Football

Episode: Luis Suárez: The Moments That Made Them

Date: March 18, 2026

Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

---

Brief Overview

In this engaging episode, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards examine the career-defining moments of Luis Suárez, one of the Premier League’s most electrifying and controversial forwards. The trio dissects Suárez’s genius on the pitch with Liverpool, his unforgettable goals, infamous incidents, and his place among the greatest. The episode is rich with stats, personal anecdotes, good-natured banter, and thoughtful reflection on his legacy—both the brilliance and the blemishes.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Suárez’s Immediate Impact and Legacy at Liverpool

• 110 appearances, 69 goals, 23 assists (01:52): Despite only three and a half seasons, Suárez’s numbers place him among the best to ever grace the Premier League.
• No penalties taken: All goals open play or set pieces—unprecedented in comparison to other greats (04:28).
• Gary Lineker: “It could argue it was one of the best seasons ever. By comparison, Thierry Henry had 30 goals and six assists in 2003, Ronaldo… 31 goals and six assists… Haaland’s first season, 36 goals…” (04:49)
• Arrival circumstances: Brought in after Liverpool sold Torres, paired with Andy Carroll. Suárez quickly outshone expectations (03:44).

Suárez’s Unique Skill Set

• Micah Richards: Describes facing Suárez and Cavani at the 2012 Olympics, keeping a clean sheet but recalls being “twisted up” by Suárez’s trademark chopping dribbles (02:09).
• Alan Shearer: “He wasn't one of those who just go and play safe. He took chances.” (02:23)
• “Looks like luck, but it’s skill”: Suárez’s repeated nutmegs and recoveries weren’t fortune—they were a hallmark of his talent (02:38).

The 2013/14 Season – Possibly Premier League’s Best Individual Campaign

• 31 goals, 12 assists in 33 games, no penalties (04:28)
• Missed first 5 matches through suspension—his scoring rate could’ve broken records if he’d played a full season (05:49).
• Did not secure the league title, but left an indelible mark (06:13).
• Micah Richards: “If they would have won the league, it probably went down as the greatest season. I would say.” (09:01)

The Legendary Norwich Hat-Trick

• Described as the best hat-trick in Premier League history
• Gary Lineker: “I cannot think you can get a better hat trick than that.” (11:17)
• Multiple world-class finishes, including a “half volley” debate between Micah and Gary (09:20–10:46)
• Micah Richards: “No, that's the best. That is the best.” (11:22)

Memorable Moments and Notable Quotes

Facing Suárez

• Micah Richards: “He just... that thing that he does where it looks like he's going to shoot, and he chops, then he chops again… I was just all over the place. But Corker saved me. Clean sheet." (02:09)

On Suárez's Goal Against Newcastle

• Chest control, turn, and finish around the keeper—called one of the most underrated yet technically difficult goals.
• Gary Lineker: “To go round a keeper when the keeper’s on the six-yard box is incredible. To have the awareness and the spatial awareness to know he's there… The science involved as well as holding the defender off as well.” (26:23)
• Michael Richards: “It's just everything about that goal is class. The touch, the finish, the ball, everything about it.” (27:08)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------| | 01:10–02:49 | Opening admiration for Suárez, Olympic anecdote from Micah | | 03:44–04:49 | Liverpool signing, transfer context, extraordinary stats | | 04:49–06:13 | Comparing Suárez’s season to other PL greats | | 08:51–09:20 | Suárez’s impact on Liverpool’s near title win | | 09:20–11:22 | The Norwich hat-trick—“the best in Premier League history” | | 16:59–18:14 | The controversies: biting and racism incidents | | 19:01–20:08 | The famous 2010 World Cup handball vs Ghana | | 21:36–24:29 | Discussion on Suárez, Sturridge, Sterling trio and top attacking threes | | 24:38–25:57 | On MSN (Messi, Suárez, Neymar) at Barcelona | | 25:22–27:16 | Suárez’s Newcastle goal—technical breakdown |

---

Memorable Quotes

• Alan Shearer, reflecting on Suárez’s style:

  “He wasn't one of those who just go and play safe. He took chances.” (02:23)

• Micah Richards on Suárez’s technical wizardry after being “twisted up” at the Olympics:

  “He just, you know that thing that he does where it looks like he's going to shoot and he chops, then he chops again, then he chops again. And I was just all over the place. But Corker saved me. Clean sheet.” (02:09)

• Gary Lineker on the Norwich hat-trick:

  “I cannot think you can get a better hat trick than that.” (11:17)

• Micah Richards on Suárez’s brilliance and notoriety:

  “With all his brilliance, he has had moments of controversy in his career, a couple of biting incidents… he spoils himself though. He doesn't need to do that. He's too good for that.” (17:22–17:37)

• Micah Richards on Daniel Sturridge’s talent:

  “I think he's one of the most talented players I've ever played with... His football brain is just off the scale.” (21:42)

• Gary Lineker on the Newcastle chest-and-round-the-keeper goal:

  “To go round a keeper when the keeper's on the six-yard box is incredible. To have the awareness and the spatial awareness to know he's there...” (26:23)

---

Handling of Controversies

• Biting incidents (Chelsea/Ivanović, World Cup) (16:59–17:42)
  • Micah Richards: “He spoils himself though. He doesn't need to do that. He's too good for that.”
• Racism allegations with Patrice Evra (17:42–18:32)
  • Gary Lineker: “Liverpool got it wrong.” Regarding the club's public support and regret expressed by Jamie Carragher.
• 2010 World Cup Handball (19:01–20:09)
  • Suárez’s infamous handball for Uruguay against Ghana, his subsequent celebration, and a debate—would the pundits do similar for their country?
  • Micah Richards: “I probably would do it too, actually.” (20:34)

---

Suárez, Sturridge, Sterling – Liverpool’s Deadly Trio

• Discussion of how close this attacking combination came to greatness and the sad reality of injuries (21:36–24:29).
• Micah lauds Sturridge’s technical ability and mental strength, noting how injury always shadowed his potential.

---

Greatest Attacking Threes

• Quick debate on the best attacking tridents in football:
  • Liverpool’s Firmino-Salah-Mané, Man United’s Rooney-Ronaldo-Tevez, but Barcelona’s Messi-Suárez-Neymar seen as the ultimate “checkmate” (24:38–25:11).

---

Final Reflections

• The hosts close by emphasizing the genius and unique style of Luis Suárez, how his legacy is both brilliance and blemished by controversy, and why his moments still spark debate and admiration.

---

Tone and Chemistry

The episode demonstrates exceptional chemistry and camaraderie between Gary, Alan, and Micah, moving fluidly between stats, stories, humorous banter, and serious reflection. Their honest assessments—especially regarding controversies—balance affection for Suárez’s on-field exploits with candor about his off-field actions.

---

Summary compiled for football fans eager to revisit or discover the defining moments and debates on Luis Suárez, as relived by three Premier League legends.

Transcript

[Home Depot Announcer]

Spring starts at the Home Depot and we are bringing the heat to your backyard this season. Fire up the flavor with our wide variety of grills for under $300. Like the next grill 4 burner gas grill that's perfect for hosting your spring cookout. Then set the scene and turn your outdoor space into the go to spot the patio sets for every budget. Bring it this season with grills that deliver flavor and patios that set the vibe from the Home Depot. Start your spring with low prices guaranteed at the Home Depot exclusion supplies to homedepot.com Pricematch for details.

[Micah Richards]

So good, so good, so good.

[Nordstrom Rack Announcer]

Spring styles are at Nordstrom Rack stores now and they're up to 60% off. Stock up and save on Rag and Bone, Madewell, Vince, All Saints and more of your favorites.

[Micah Richards]

How did I not know rack has Adidas?

[Nordstrom Rack Announcer 2]

Why do we rack for the hottest deals? Just so many good brands.

[Nordstrom Rack Announcer]

Join the NordicLub to unlock exclusive discounts. Shop new arrivals first and more. Plus, buy online and pick up at your favorite rack store for free. Great brands, great prices. That's why you wreck.

[Gary Lineker]

Hello and welcome to the rest is football with Michael Richards, Alan Sher and me, Gary Lineker. On this week's episode of Premier League Greats, the moments that made them. We're talking about a player actually who only had three and a half seasons, 110 of appearances in the Premier League, which is a sign. The fact he's got in this series is a sign of his greatness as a footballer. In many ways it is certain.

[Alan Shearer]

Luis Suarez.

[Gary Lineker]

Who? Micah.

[Alan Shearer]

You would have played again.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Against everybody.

[Micah Richards]

I'm the only Olympian here, so you might as well talk about that.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, you play against?

[Micah Richards]

I'm Olympian. Olympics 2012.

[Gary Lineker]

Where's the medal?

[Micah Richards]

Clean sheet. No medal. I got injured. Ankle.

[Gary Lineker]

Otherwise.

[Micah Richards]

Otherwise, I mean, I'm just getting him

[Gary Lineker]

out here, the pocket here.

[Micah Richards]

Suarez and Cavani up front. No problem at all. Me and Stephen Corker at the back dealt with them.

[Gary Lineker]

Clean sheet.

[Micah Richards]

Clean sheet. Although there was a moment.

[Gary Lineker]

What kind of moment?

[Micah Richards]

I got twisted up. I got twisted. He just, you know that thing that he does where it looks like he's going to shoot and he chops, then he chops again, then he chops again. And I was just all over the place. But Corker saved me. Clean sheet.

[Gary Lineker]

Well done. He did have that ability, Suarez, didn't he? That he'd almost try and run through players and often it would pay off. You know, he'd go for a little nutmeg and he wasn't one of Those that just go and play safe. He took chances.

[Michael Richards]

There were times where you used to think he's actually got lucky, but he did it so often that it wasn't luck. It was actually incredible ability, wasn't it? The way he ran with it and he came out with the right side with the ball.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

110 appearances, 69 goals and 23 assists. PFA Team of the Year twice and Football of the year 2013 14. Just the one League Cup. Obviously Liverpool, they weren't very close, didn't they, at that point? But I remember, funny enough, we went to Amsterdam with Harry about, I don't know, a year or so before they signed Suarez. Liverpool signed him and we went to watch this game was IX against psv and they had this little fellow up front, Ajax, and we were, we were both going, my God, how good is he? And it was. It was Suarez before he was. And then they brought him, didn't they, to Anfield. And everyone was guys mid season, wasn't it?

[Michael Richards]

I think I'm right in saying what was that? They got the Torres money, then they brought in Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez.

[Gary Lineker]

Suarez probably slightly the better player overall, so we thought to him and then he came to the Premier League and he was even better than he looked on that occasion. So many amazing, amazing performances and I think it was one of the best ever seasons. And we're having a little bit of discussion here because it actually features you, Alan, because in the 201314 campaign he scored 31 goals and 12 assists in just 33 appearances. That free kick being one of those goals. But it is Louis Juarez, it's around

[Micah Richards]

the wall and it's brilliant.

[Gary Lineker]

He had a real incredible range of goal scoring, didn't he?

[Michael Richards]

31 in 34. Did he?

[Gary Lineker]

31 goals in 33.

[Micah Richards]

Wow.

[Gary Lineker]

33 with 12 assists as well and did not take one single penalty. And Steven Gerrard, who was the then penalty to take for Liverpool, scored 10 penalties. Imagine if he'd been on penalties, he could concede, he would have gone around. Well, good maths, Micah, round it up,

[Micah Richards]

he might have missed two, you know what I mean? So he's 30. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Or there might have been a couple of penalties in the games when he was injured and didn't play. So. But it would have. It could argue it was one of the best seasons ever. By comparison, Thierry Henry had 30 goals and six assists in 2003 for Ronaldo, of course, when he won the Ballon d' or with 31 goals and six assists. Haaland's first season, 36 goals and eight assists. Salah in 20, 24, 25, got 29 goals and 18 assists. And Alan, yours. 95, 96, 31 goals, seven assists, but a lot of penalty.

[Michael Richards]

I remember 34 in season before, I

[Micah Richards]

think

[Gary Lineker]

42 games, I think in five.

[Michael Richards]

All right. Does that not count then?

[Gary Lineker]

No.

[Micah Richards]

Well, it's an extra four games and. Well, it's unfair advantage. You've got an extra four games to score goals. Of course it's gonna look bad.

[Michael Richards]

Yeah. So we'll just go back to him. 31 and 33 is amazing.

[Gary Lineker]

What's extraordinary though is he also missed the first five matches through suspension, which is extraordinary. I always also think. I mean, I thought he was unbelievable. A finisher and player, an all round thing. I mean, what he's had three and a half seasons and to make the impact he did, even though they didn't quite get over the line to win a title, did they?

[Michael Richards]

With Sterling, with Sturridge. What does Daniel. You're good pals with him. What does he say about him? He must like. He was incredible.

[Micah Richards]

I've got to be careful how I word this because Daniel thought he was the main man, you know, he thought

[Gary Lineker]

he's better than Suarez.

[Micah Richards]

No, no, no. See, no, I don't think he. In his head he just was like, well, that's okay.

[Gary Lineker]

No, no, you've got to believe in yourself.

[Micah Richards]

Well, Suarez was just different level, wasn't there? I mean, them three up front, they had everything. Pace, skill, football intelligence, finishing as well. But they didn't, they didn't win the league. So you know, when you mentioned that list, you know, that's what I asked you when you scored them goals, 31, did you win the league?

[Gary Lineker]

Season?

[Michael Richards]

94, 95. You won the league.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Yes.

[Micah Richards]

So the season before when you scored 31.

[Michael Richards]

30. Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

And that's when you.

[Michael Richards]

That's when we won the league.

[Micah Richards]

That's when you won the league, but so you didn't win, so. Yeah, it's not as good as. Well, we had 42 games. What is it? 42.

[Michael Richards]

42 games? Yeah, 34. What do you mean it's not a good. What the fuck are you going on about?

[Micah Richards]

Because you try to do like the goals per game, but. So the season when he won the league, he scored 34 goals, but he had 42 games.

[Michael Richards]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

So the season when he scored 31 goals, you didn't win the league, so you're irrelevant. Moving on.

[Gary Lineker]

I know I need to call a break at this point,

[Alan Shearer]

This episode Is powered by Fuse Energy. Before we kick off a quick pre match warm up from Fuze one question, four options and two contestants. Today's little question for you lads. Which goalkeeper has the most clean sheets in Champions League history? Is it A, Iker Casillas, B, Gianluigi Buffon? C, Manuel Neuer? Or D, Edwin Van der Zaar?

[Michael Richards]

Manuel Neuer? For me, you know what?

[Micah Richards]

I'm going to be different. I'm going to go Buffon.

[Alan Shearer]

You're going to go Buffon. Well, Micah, that was not correct. The answer was one. Manuel Neuer. The best sides don't give things away. It should be the same with your energy. Get more than just lower [e-mail] football. Use the code football or uppercase when you sign up. Save around £200 on your energy bill and get the chance to ask us your football questions on the pod full terms and [e-mail]

[Micah Richards]

so going back to the point I was saying they didn't get over the line with Liverpool. If they would have won the league, it probably went down as the greatest season. I would say.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, if.

[Gary Lineker]

That's an if. There's an if. And there's where. There's an if. I think we can have a discussion if it wasn't the best season ever. We can certainly have a discussion because we had it, didn't we, a few weeks ago when we talked about Dennis Bergkamp's hat trick. What's the best hat trick ever in the Premier? And I would argue that it's this one.

[Micah Richards]

This is by far the best.

[Gary Lineker]

Norwich City. I mean, the first goal is extraordinary. This was probably the simplest of goals, even though that's not easy.

[Michael Richards]

Look at the technique, though, and the strength.

[Micah Richards]

This one here is just ridiculous. That little. You think you've got to shoot it there and then.

[Gary Lineker]

And that, Micah, is a half volley.

[Michael Richards]

Watch this, Micah. Look how it just bounces on the floor.

[Micah Richards]

4.

[Michael Richards]

And it's on the wheel. Half volley.

[Gary Lineker]

That's a half volley and that is a free kick. Oh my gosh, look at the ticket. Do you not think that's a half volley, Micah?

[Micah Richards]

Yes, that is my whole point because it bounced. It's a half volley.

[Gary Lineker]

Can we go now back to the second goal from the corner.

[Micah Richards]

Okay, here we go.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, how do you describe this one?

[Micah Richards]

Half volley.

[Gary Lineker]

That is not.

[Micah Richards]

So what do you call that? Volley?

[Gary Lineker]

I call that a shot.

[Micah Richards]

Okay, wait. Okay.

[Gary Lineker]

But if it's anything, it's more a volley than a half volley.

[Micah Richards]

You made the point when it's going up off the floor, I give you that. But then you made a point last time we were talking about this. It depends where it is. If you look when the corner comes in, it's about the same height, so it's got to be a half volley.

[Gary Lineker]

It's just a shot.

[Micah Richards]

It's just a shot. Ridiculous. It's a bloody good shot.

[Gary Lineker]

You know, it's not a half volley.

[Micah Richards]

You know the last argument we had, 70% of the people agreed with me. 70. Get the poll out. H, Johnny boy. Get the poll out.

[Gary Lineker]

52% of this country voted for Brexit, mate.

[Micah Richards]

All right, Farage on the wrong pod, mate.

[Gary Lineker]

The public ain't always right.

[Michael Richards]

You're right about that little flick over.

[Gary Lineker]

It's so good.

[Michael Richards]

It looks like this one there.

[Micah Richards]

Look.

[Gary Lineker]

Look at that. Look.

[Micah Richards]

Because it looks like he's got a h it.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, there.

[Alan Shearer]

Little disguise.

[Micah Richards]

And then look at the defender, Bennett, he has to adjust his position and.

[Gary Lineker]

And jeez, this is. I. I cannot think you can get a better hat trick than that.

[Micah Richards]

No, that's the best. That is the best.

[Gary Lineker]

And four goals actually, as well. Adds to it, really, scoring four.

[Micah Richards]

Did that take a nick off the wall of that?

[Alan Shearer]

Oh, no. Did it.

[Gary Lineker]

Look at the last replay.

[Micah Richards]

Did that take a nick? Because the ball seems to deviate,

[Home Depot Announcer]

doesn't it?

[Micah Richards]

It does, but that's a fore. It's irrelevant. We're talking about action.

[Gary Lineker]

But that's even better because if he actually deliberately just made it flick someone's

[Alan Shearer]

head, I mean, that's.

[Gary Lineker]

That's real. Real ability. Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, what a player. What a player. You know when you go in and you got your opponents and it wouldn't happen to you because you guys are strikers, but, you know, sometimes the night before you're thinking, fuck.

[Gary Lineker]

Really? Do you actually take Suarez, like Suarez

[Micah Richards]

and Cavani going into that, and you just think, it's going to be problems because I like to burst out defense and all that, get involved, but, you know, you just got to stay put. And if he scores, it's going to be on social. He's going to get embarrassed. You know, if he would have someone have scored when he chopped me up, I'd have been all over socials in that game.

[Alan Shearer]

Did you actually.

[Gary Lineker]

No. This serious question now. Did you worry about social media clips when you actually playing? Not sure.

[Micah Richards]

It was sort of the start, wasn't it?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, because I. Obviously neither of us played in an era where there was social media, so. Which is.

[Micah Richards]

It wasn't as heavy as it was now. Like Back then he sort of could get away with it. But there'd be some account that I'd post you.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

That is just getting twisted up. And now people are bringing them clips back, so.

[Gary Lineker]

All right. Yeah, yeah. Wait till they spot your position on that Rain Rooney goal that we showed in a previous episode.

[Micah Richards]

But no, it was more the papers. Have you ever had like a two or three out of ten?

[Gary Lineker]

The lowest you used to get was a four.

[Micah Richards]

No, no, I've had lower.

[Gary Lineker]

There are only a couple of papers that.

[Michael Richards]

Did it really affect you if you got it?

[Micah Richards]

Really? Of course. I told you this story about me going to the training ground and, you know, the papers are all there. Got all the papers and put them in the locker so no one could read. I'm not exaggerating because he's just thinking. And especially me. Like, I let it get to my head, didn't I? You know What I mean? 18, driving Aston Martins, you know, big houses and all that. I thought I was the bollocks. So I had to play up to this character, sort of like big mix. I'm not. I'm always happy, but I'm not always loud and obnoxious. I'm not always that. But I sort of.

[Gary Lineker]

You know how you are now.

[Micah Richards]

You go into that character, don't you? Especially on tv. So, like, when I was. Everyone was talking, oh, he's so good. He's gonna get under Caps of England. You've got to tell yourself that you get ego. And then when it doesn't happen, then

[Gary Lineker]

you read the newspaper.

[Micah Richards]

Oh, my gosh. And it was a Sun. The News of the world. Oh, my God.

[Alan Shearer]

This episode is brought to you by Microsoft 365 co pilot guys, where would we be without our teammates? Who's your favorite teammate?

[Michael Richards]

Mine would have to be Teddy Sheringham. Guys, with England, it's just one of those partnerships that worked, that clicked for you.

[Alan Shearer]

Micah Pablo Zametta, by any chance?

[Micah Richards]

I don't know. He was to say that I would have to pick Joe Hart just on the pitch if I made a mistake. I just knew he had my back.

[Gary Lineker]

I'm sure you kept him very busy.

[Alan Shearer]

I would probably go probably Peter Beardsley, who I had amazing partnership with with England.

[Gary Lineker]

I think I was about a goal,

[Alan Shearer]

a game, when he played well. Microsoft 365 copilot is that level of support off the Pitch? It's your AI assistant for work built into Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other Microsoft 365 apps you use, helping you quickly write, analyze, create and summarize learn [e-mail] M3 65 COPILOT this episode is brought

[Gary Lineker]

to you by Whoop.

[Alan Shearer]

In the modern game, of course, there are a lot more games and that feeling of being slightly off by Monday.

[Michael Richards]

And that's how it shows up. Not as an injury. It's just fatigue creeping in off the pitch.

[Alan Shearer]

Everyday life stacks up to work, travel, late nights, early starts. Whoop helps you see how sleep, recovery and stress are impacting your overall health over time.

[Micah Richards]

It's like a health scout working quietly in the background. No screen, no constant pings, just deeper insight into your health when you actually need it.

[Alan Shearer]

Whoop makes it easier to see what's helping you stay well and what's taking more out of you so you can build habits that actually last.

[Michael Richards]

It's about keeping yourself steady over the long run. Consistency beats intensity every time.

[Alan Shearer]

If you want to understand your health better and how your daily habits impact you over time, head to join.whoop.com T R I F to get started with

[Nordstrom Rack Announcer 2]

Whoop2good and Co Coffee Creamers are made with farm fresh cream, real milk and contain 3 grams of sugar per serving. That's 40% less than the 5 grams per serving in leading traditional coffee creamers for a rich, delicious experience. Whether you enjoy your coffee hot, cold, cold, bold or frothy, two good coffee creamers make every sip a good one. Two good coffee creamers, real goodness in every sip. Find them at your local Kroger in the creamer aisle.

[Gary Lineker]

I suppose with Suarez, with all his brilliance, he has had moments of controversy in his career, a couple of biting incidents. One of those was obviously a game against Chelsea with Ivanovic. Another one was in the World Cup.

[Alan Shearer]

Very much looks as if he has actually bitten Ivanovic.

[Micah Richards]

What is he doing? No, he spoils himself though. He doesn't need to do that. He's too good for that.

[Gary Lineker]

He's obviously got that red mist moment in him and I think if it's in you, it's in you.

[Micah Richards]

But

[Gary Lineker]

it's such a strange thing to do.

[Michael Richards]

Never seen that.

[Micah Richards]

It's a little bit of a stain of it. You know his character. He's better than that.

[Gary Lineker]

And then he obviously had the kind of racist accusations with Patrice Edwards as well and didn't shake his hand.

[Micah Richards]

You remember when I was lying?

[Gary Lineker]

That's right, yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Shake his hand. And then I spoke to Jamie Carragher

[Gary Lineker]

about this recently because Liverpool reacted, didn't they? Came all out in support T shirts and everything. I thought it just didn't.

[Micah Richards]

But he denied it, though, didn't he? He denied it at first. So they come out with Suarez T shirts in support. And then Jamie Carragher recently said they got it wrong.

[Gary Lineker]

Liverpool got it wrong.

[Micah Richards]

Liverpool got it wrong. And he said that because he was. He was vice captain at the time. But I think he said Steven Gerrard wasn't playing. So he was like at the forefront of everything. And he just said he regrets it now because that's the only way he knew how to deal with it at the time.

[Gary Lineker]

Tribality comes in a little bit like.

[Micah Richards]

That's exactly.

[Gary Lineker]

A bit like the situation we've seen recently with Vinicius Jr. And Cristiani and, you know, and then suddenly Benfica, everyone gets together and Joe said they all defend people sometimes when it's indefensible. Yeah, yeah.

[Micah Richards]

But come on, you don't need to do all that, does he? We all get emotional on the pitch, don't we? But he just.

[Gary Lineker]

He just takes a line you don't cross.

[Micah Richards]

Exactly.

[Gary Lineker]

He's a bit.

[Michael Richards]

It was unbelievable, wasn't it?

[Micah Richards]

Oh, my gosh. Do you remember his handball as well was in the World Cup?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, yeah.

[Micah Richards]

I mean, and then he celebrated after the tunnel. I understand, I understand. I mean, he's just. He's. He's.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, Maradona celebrate when he punched us in the net, so.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, but that was that. That was a little bit different though, wasn't it? Yeah, it was. That was more like.

[Gary Lineker]

What?

[Micah Richards]

Sneaky. Sneaky.

[Gary Lineker]

At least the referee spotted Suarez's handball.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And he got a penalty. And the penalty was missed.

[Micah Richards]

He's missed, obviously.

[Michael Richards]

Yes.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. That was an extraordinary finish to a game, wasn't it? And then to. To clear it off the line and then almost to be rewarded. No karma there, was that.

[Micah Richards]

Would you do it for your country? Off the line?

[Gary Lineker]

It would never cross my mind. I don't. I've never been in my own box.

[Michael Richards]

Right.

[Gary Lineker]

I've never been in a situation where I would be on the line. I mean, the only time I got called back for corners was in Japan. Bring back the big man, they used to say. So I don't know whether you would be. If the ball's flashing in the net, I'm sure there'd be some kind of instinct would be.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I suppose.

[Gary Lineker]

I think that would. I mean, loads of players have done that. But to be fair, it's not quite the Diego moment because it was spotted by the referee. He was sent off for it. So he suffered. He can't play in the next game. And then he's actually in a strange way made his team get through that. Well, he has made his team get through because Asimojo misses it hits it over the bar. Well, that's not Suarez's fault, but I

[Micah Richards]

probably would do it too, actually.

[Gary Lineker]

I think you'd sell it.

[Micah Richards]

I think I would do that. The country, the World Cup.

[Michael Richards]

But it's like what's the difference if someone's cleaned through and they're gonna go one on one but you foul him and bring it up?

[Micah Richards]

You know what it is? It's the same thing. I don't blame him doing it.

[Alan Shearer]

No.

[Micah Richards]

I blamed his reaction afterwards. I don't know.

[Gary Lineker]

He want his team to win.

[Micah Richards]

I don't.

[Gary Lineker]

I've got no real issues with that one. No, I mean, it was just sad for Ghana because it was such a shame, such a shame for them. But I mean, I've been in a situation where no one blasts Maradona for celebrating and he actually got away with it, which is totally different. I mean, people blast him for doing it and saying I was cheating, whatever. That's. That's your opinion. But. But they don't have a go at him celebrating. You could see even then he was just every now and again looking around when he see if the ref is going to blow the whistle. But let's move on and well talk about the. The sss. Oh, yeah, you know, Suarez, Sturridge and

[Michael Richards]

Sterling and I know we mentioned him before, but how good was Daniel?

[Gary Lineker]

He's a really good player.

[Micah Richards]

I think he's one of the most talented players I've ever played with. That good, technically amazing. His football brain is just off the

[Michael Richards]

scale because it has to be in terms of the ability wise. Because where he's been.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I think the size of the clubs. Do you remember when we was talking about Les, Fernando, Daniel, they're different. And you always pick and you pick Les because you played with him and you know what he can do. But Daniel, he just had something. He was the best player. You know, we talked about Wayne Rooney and being that guy from so young. Studge won all the tournaments and then he had a bad injury. I think it was when he was 15, 16 and it was his hip. So when he came back from that, he was always protective of that. So then when he went out on the pitch, unless he was feeling 100%, he was always at the back of his mind. But technique, passing, shooting, he had everything. I just wish he would have won the league. He won the Champions League.

[Michael Richards]

Those two were deadly, weren't they there

[Gary Lineker]

was just, well, the three, I believe Sterling, that was his absolute prime and he'd, you know, Liverpool, Man City, that was his real prime period, wasn't it?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, but even just for him to. Because he went on loan to Bolton. Do you remember that? Big Kevin Davies up front and Studs playing. And then he went to Chelsea as a young, young, young and that's difficult to do. Chet Evans at Man City was playing ahead of him and he just thought, you know what? Stuart Pierce wants to go with more of a target, man. I'm gonna go to Chelsea, he wins the Champions League there he goes to Liverpool, like Man City, Chelsea.

[Michael Richards]

That's what I mean, the clubs.

[Gary Lineker]

Yes.

[Micah Richards]

It's just ridiculous. I just wish he would have been or could have stayed fit more often. Then you would have seen the real.

[Gary Lineker]

I agree. Longevity, incredible talent, incredible potential and it would have been brilliant. Imagine playing with Suarez as well. It was, you know, so clever, so creative with his all round game technique. He had a bit of everything but

[Micah Richards]

he's passing as well, you know, just like the one touch passing, he had the movement. That's why Sterling was so key.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. In terms of, you know, three players at the top, I mean you'd have someone like Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, maybe Firmino, Salamani, obviously that's another one at Liverpool. Who's your best top three there?

[Micah Richards]

I don't know. That is tough that in terms of all working together. Salah, Firmino, Mane is hard to beat. Just in terms of cohesion. Not saying they got the best numbers, which their numbers will be high, but just one coming shot, one going long, one who worked really hard to knit together and then they all could finish at the right times.

[Gary Lineker]

While we're on the subject of Suarez talking about three players up top, Neymar, Messi, Suarez. I don't think he gets any accident. That's just checkmate.

[Micah Richards]

That's the best. That's too good.

[Gary Lineker]

I would say so. I mean that's, that's. I don't know how you play against that.

[Micah Richards]

Wait, Real Madrid had one though, didn't they?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Benzema Bale.

[Michael Richards]

Ooh.

[Micah Richards]

I still say the Barcelona one's a bit, well, Messi.

[Gary Lineker]

Messi's just ridiculous. Yeah, Messi, it's amazing. It was Suarez and obviously they played with Messi so you know, they're very close friends and stuff and you see how good Suarez is. And then when you've got a player like Messi's on another level completely, it just makes it's mind boggling. How good.

[Micah Richards]

See someone like that together at Miami though as well. Suarez is still doing all the work.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

And then Messi together. They're just amazing. I love it.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. I'm going to. Our last moment is for me one of my favorite favorite goals of Premier League history. It's against Newcastle, actually. Alan. It doesn't necessarily look that difficult, but it really is

[Michael Richards]

long.

[Micah Richards]

From Enrique taken by Suarez. Oh, what about that? What about that? Oh, my gosh.

[Michael Richards]

Yeah. Just to get the line of the ball straight away and then balance yourself or position yourself to do that.

[Gary Lineker]

And to know that the keeper's coming to have the. How can you see him even at the door?

[Michael Richards]

Is there two touches with a chest?

[Gary Lineker]

Might be accidental, but the first one to just comes down off that high right hand side.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Michael Richards]

But then that touch to take it around the keeper.

[Micah Richards]

What would you have done in that position, lads?

[Gary Lineker]

Not that I had no idea. I just tried to hit it first time or flick it.

[Micah Richards]

If you go back to the run.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

It's like you've not got much time to make a decision of what to do.

[Gary Lineker]

That's why it's extraordinarily good. Because to go round a keeper when the keeper's on the six yard box is incredible. To have the awareness and the spatial awareness to know he's there. Because you've got. You've got to watch that ball pretty closely to control it like that. And then not only that, but as it's dropping, he's in his peripheral vision will be the goalkeeper in a certain position and the ball, I mean the science involved as well as holding the

[Michael Richards]

defender off as well.

[Gary Lineker]

Brilliant. Yeah. I actually prefer it. I mean, it's slightly controversial, but to the bird come one we showed in a previous episode.

[Micah Richards]

I think they're on par. I think they're on par.

[Gary Lineker]

It's just so good. It might not look, but you know, when you play, don't ever manage doing something like that.

[Michael Richards]

It's just everything about that goal is class. The touch, the finish, the ball, everything about it.

[Micah Richards]

I just don't think we saw a goal like Bergkamp's before.

[Gary Lineker]

No, but I don't think we've really seen one like that.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, when you break it down, I mean, really.

[Gary Lineker]

No, I mean to go around and keep it at that. You see stuff with Messi, but not in the Premier League. You know, you can. If somebody wanted to argue the bird count, I wouldn't put up much of a fight. Okay, that's it for this episode of the Rest Is Football Premier League greats the moments that make them Goodbye from me.

[Micah Richards]

Goodbye for me.

[Michael Richards]

Goodbye for me.