Luis Suarez believes the future is very bright for Liverpool, though the Barcelona star has no plans to show his former club any mercy in the Champions League.

Barcelona and last season's runners-up Liverpool will go head-to-head in the semi-finals - a reunion for veteran forward Suarez, starting at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Suarez spent three years at Liverpool, winning just the EFL Cup on Merseyside, before joining LaLiga giants Barca in 2014.

Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have emerged as a serious threat both in the Premier League and the Champions League as they vie for the domestic title this season, having lost to Real Madrid in the 2018 European decider.

Liverpool are a point adrift of Manchester City with two matches remaining in the league and Suarez told the Express: "Liverpool are now in a position where their future looks very bright again.

"The race is so tight in England this season it is impossible to say out of Liverpool and Manchester City who will be champions.

"But Liverpool are now in a position where they will be challenging in the future. When we nearly won the title there was so much disappointment because I think there was a feeling that was our moment and we wouldn’t get another.

"But now Liverpool have the squad, the investment, the set up where this will not be a one-off season."

Suarez, who has won four LaLiga titles and the Champions League among other honours with Barca, added: "Liverpool will always be important for me - for giving me an opportunity, for playing a big part in my development, and of course for the amazing fans.

"But this is a Champions League semi-final and all that will matter is helping Barcelona fight to get one step closer to another trophy."