Suwarso says planning for Cesc's succession has long been in place.
He said on Sky Italia: "I work together with Cesc. He never told me he wanted to leave. He just wanted to understand the situation, but he never asked to negotiate with other clubs. So I was calm.
"I only learned about the rumours when journalists asked me. We've always planned for the next season at the end of the previous one, so there was never any sign he wanted to leave."
Suwarso continued: "I asked him to already think about who could replace him one day. Not because I want him to leave, but to be ready in case something unexpected happens.
"It's the same thing I'm doing: I choose and train whoever can take my place. Every club director must do the same. It's important not to depend on just one person.
"Even those who brought us this far must help us understand how to continue without him. So I always ask Cesc: 'Have you seen anyone interesting? Anyone you could train?' It's a team effort. We hope that moment doesn't come soon, but if it does, we'll be ready.
"Does he already have someone in mind? I always ask him. He tells me he thinks about it often, that he's always on his mind. We talk about it."