Luis Suarez was forced into Liverpool apology that speaks volumes for Darwin Nunez

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Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez could be poised for a Premier League comeback, potentially jeopardising his strong rapport with the club's supporters. His situation echoes that of his fellow countryman, Luis Suarez , who encountered a similar predicament after departing the Reds and was later forced to apologise .

Nunez left last summer for Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal in a £46million deal . The ex-Benfica player had a varied spell at Anfield, netting 40 goals in 143 appearances and departing with a Premier League winners' medal and a League Cup to his name.

He also became somewhat of a cult figure, with fans acknowledging his relentless work rate and knack for generating excitement on the pitch. Chelsea have now surfaced as a potential destination, as have Newcastle United after the Uruguayan lost his spot in the team in Riyadh.

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The mere thought of Nunez returning to Anfield with another club, possibly scoring and even celebrating against the Reds, brings to mind the saga of Suarez, who left Liverpool to sign for Barcelona in 2014.

The enigmatic striker scored, and visibly delighted in doing so, in Barcelona's 3-0 first-leg victory at the Nou Camp in the 2019 Champions League semi-final. The Uruguayan said sorry for celebrating ahead of the second leg, conscious he had damaged the bond he shared with fans .

"I think people know the work I did here (Liverpool)," Suarez said. "I think there will be more applause than whistles. There may be quite a few who are not happy but I think there will be more who are happy and grateful."

He continued: "Celebrating the goal last week, people who know about football, who love this sport, know about the importance of this. I have all the respect in the world for the Liverpool fans. Because I scored and celebrated with my fans, I say sorry. Obviously, it is clear that if I score a goal against Liverpool I won't celebrate it in the same way."

In the second leg at Anfield, a match Liverpool famously won 4-0 to secure their place in the European Cup final, Suarez was met with boos throughout, indicating fans hadn't forgotten his indiscretion from the previous week.

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Nunez will undoubtedly hope to maintain his strong relationship with the Reds. The Kop loyalists stood by their striker when he was mocked by the press and opposing supporters for squandering numerous opportunities during his stint on Merseyside.

Upon departing the Reds, Nunez expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the fans. "Thank you, Liverpool," he shared on social media. "Three years on, it's time to say goodbye.

"I'll carry countless memories that will stay with me forever. I leave with a full heart, thanks to the affection of a crowd that never let me down and always supported me - through the highs and through the lows. Liverpool will always be part of who I am. I'll miss you more than words can express."

The striker has registered nine goals and five assists from 24 outings in all competitions this campaign. Yet, following Karim Benzema's arrival at Al-Hilal in February, Nunez's prospects at the club have become uncertain.

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Due to stringent foreign player restrictions and Benzema's registration, Nunez is currently ineligible to feature in the Pro League or the Cup for his present club, making a Premier League return appear increasingly probable.

Regarding Suarez, speaking in 2020, with relations between him and Liverpool supporters somewhat strained, the former Ajax striker attempted to make peace for his conduct a year prior.

He said: "I know some Liverpool supporters were angry with me because I celebrated a goal against Liverpool here in Camp Nou and for that I am so sad. I accept that and I say that hopefully they understand my situation: we were playing at home and in the Champions League semi-final.

"I lived one of the best moments of my life there and I think the supporters didn't forget how my attitude was in the Liverpool shirt. Now hopefully they are so happy with the Premier League trophy this year."

Wherever Nunez plies his trade next, it's guaranteed the player who spent three campaigns on Merseyside will want to avoid a comparable act of contrition to that of his fellow countryman.

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