Liverpool ace Luis Suarez admits he uses football as his 'escape'.
The Salto-born forward collected the 2013 Player of the Year award at Monday's William Hill Football Supporters' Federation Awards at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.
He said: "When I was a child I had too many problems, but I could try my best on the pitch.
"Once I was playing football I could try my best, because I just love to play football, I play with my heart."
Thanking the Liverpool faithful for warming to him again this season, Suarez rated "coming back to play at Anfield" as his 2013 highlight.
He said: "After so many difficult moments for me I was able to win the supporters back, and that was unbelievable when I came back to play.
"They helped me, and that was important for me, for my confidence, and for my family, because they are together with me in this.
"It's very special for me (the award) because my hard work on the pitch is recognised.
"Everybody knows about my problems and my difficult year, but after that I forgot everything and have been able to get back on the pitch."
