Luis Suárez finally makes Barcelona bow as substitute against León

“And now, please give a huge ovation for...” A month after Luis Suárez signed for FC Barcelona and two months before he can play a competitive game for them, the Uruguayan made his first appearance at Camp Nou. Barcelona’s record signing ran on to the pitch at 7.51pm to fireworks and applause from around 40,000 supporters. He then played for his new club for the first time, as a substitute against the Mexican side Club León during Barcelona’s traditional season opener, the Gamper Trophy.

Suárez came on with 14 minutes to go, replacing Rafinha. He did not play alongside Lionel Messi or Neymar, both of whom scored in the first half. By the time he made his entry Barcelona had already made nine changes and led 4-0. It was 5-0 moments later and Sandro added a sixth just before the final whistle.

Suárez’s first touch, a simple pass to the right, got a ripple of applause but there was little opportunity to do much more. He will have to wait until 26 October against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu to make an official debut but here he was at last, dressed in the ‘blaugrana’ shirt. He will be presented on his own in this same arena on Wednesday, when he will also speak at a press conference.

Suárez later posted a picture of him and a smiling Andrés Iniesta via Twitter with the message: “Today has been an unforgettable day. Many thanks to everyone for your support.”

The occasion had begun before the game with the new manager Luis Enrique’s 27-man backroom team called out. Then the manager himself joined them and, one by one, 18 players were invited on to the pitch, with fireworks greeting them, before Suárez was called. Every player bar the club captains Sergio Busquets, Leo Messi, Andrés Iniesta and Xavi had been introduced. Then it was the Uruguayan’s turn.

Suárez’s entrance was built up by Manel Vich, the club’s PA announcer for over 50 years. He requested an ovation and that is what he got. The 27-year-old emerged to a roar and took up his place alongside his team-mates, while a chant of “Suárez! Suárez! Suárez!” went round. He stood and looked a little sheepish. Meanwhile Busquets, Messi, Iniesta and Xavi appeared.

After Luís Enrique and Xavi had briefly addressed the crowd the players filed off to prepare for the game. Suárez went down the tunnel waving to his family in the stands. By the time the game did begin and he got on, the stadium was fuller, with around 60,000, and he was again greeted by a roar.

Barcelona first announced that they had reached a deal with Liverpool on 11 July and Suárez was due to be presented on 16 July. Instead it was the sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta who appeared before the media. He described Suárez as “entirely our player” but the presentation was cancelled, with Zubizarreta insisting that the club had been told by their lawyers to be “extremely prudent”. Suárez had completed his medical the day before but no photographs were released.

The four-month ban from “all footballing activity” for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup denied the Uruguayan the chance even to train with his new team-mates and was deemed to apply to presentations too, although not to the transfer itself. He was not allowed to set foot in a stadium. Suárez was still awaiting his hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Spain, which eventually took place on 8 August.

When the CAS verdict was delivered last Thursday his ban was upheld but he was allowed to train again and he joined his team-mates for the first time the following morning.

“I am pleased to feel like a footballer again,” he said. Suárez was also informed that the ban did not apply to friendlies and he was cleared to play here on Monday and to be presented as a Barcelona player, a month on. That wait is over. Now another one begins.