Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was delighted with the response from the Anfield crowd to Luis Suarez yesterday. Suarez was warmly welcomed by a sell-out crowd for captain Steven Gerrard's testimonial on his first appearance at Anfield since being banned for biting Branislav Ivanovic in April.

"It is not quite the reception you guys (the media) thought," said Rodgers.

"It just shows you the class of the Liverpool supporters. There has been a lot of speculation about Luis and what sort of reception he would get, but they love their own and Luis is still very much part of the team.

"He can't start the season because he is suspended, but they have given him everything and, even when they may have had an excuse (not to), they backed him to the hilt and it was great for them to do that.

"He was probably humbled by it. There may have been some trepidation in terms of the reaction he would get, but people who have been at this club much longer than me and know the Liverpool way always respect their own.

"Luis is still very much a part of what we are doing and that was another message from them that they love him.

"We only want players who are totally 100 per cent committed to being here and I've spoken to Luis countless times over the summer.

"Speculation can be difficult for players. There are a lot of stories that have gone on around Luis but there is no change in him.

"He is working well and he got a great reception here today.

"The more he is around the group and the great support here - in addition to days like today - he will understand.

"If ever anyone wanted to know the status of Liverpool it was while we were on tour and days like today.

"It is a truly remarkable club and you don't want to leave one of the biggest clubs in the world in a hurry, and I think he knows that."