Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has spoken highly of his new club's academy, admitting that he would have liked to have been nurtured at La Masia during his formative years.

The Uruguayan came through the ranks at Nacional in his home country, before stints with Groningen, Ajax and Liverpool preceded his signing for the Nou Camp outfit this summer.

The 27-year-old is quoted as saying by Goal.com: "I'm impressed and amazed by the facilities, the spaces they have to develop the children in everything, in their studies, their diet and their schedules.

"I was surprised by everything, above all the way the children they have are. I wish I had had the opportunity to develop in this way."

Suarez is expected to make his competitive debut for Barcelona on October 25 against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.