LIVERPOOL -- Luis Suarez can expect a warm reception when he returns to Liverpool because he is still "adored," according to manager Brendan Rodgers.
Suarez has agreed to play in a charity match at Anfield on March 29, featuring all-star sides led by club captain Steven Gerrard and retired former vice-captain Jamie Carragher.
The Uruguay striker's appearance in the fixture, organised by the Liverpool FC Foundation, is subject to his international commitments.
But if he plays, it will be his first appearance at Anfield since he left to join Barcelona for 75 million pounds last July.
Suarez left amid controversy, with the move finalised as he was starting a four-month ban imposed after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup match in Brazil in June.
Because it only became clear he would be leaving during the close season, the 28-year-old did not get the chance to say goodbye to Liverpool's fans.
But Rodgers is hopeful that Suarez, who scored 31 Premier League goals last season as the Reds finished runners-up to Manchester City, will get that opportunity now.
The manager said: "It'll be great. We've kept in contact since he's been away. He's a top-class player. He loved his time here at Liverpool. He always wanted to come back.
"He's got something internationally but he's making every effort off his own bat to come back. It'll be brilliant to see him and great for the supporters.
"He loved Liverpool while he was here. He's gone to another country, but he's certainly adored here. The supporters loved having him here.
"Every time he stepped on to a training pitch, he gave everything. He'll probably want to win this game as well."
By the time the game comes around, Rodgers is hoping to have an FA Cup semifinal at Wembley to look forward to.
The Reds host Championship side Blackburn in Sunday's FA Cup quarterfinal, and the manager is demanding his side lift silverware this season.
He said: "We want to make the top four and win a trophy. The objective is clear: To arrive as high as we can, not just fourth, and to win a trophy. If we can do that, then that will be success."