Liverpool owner John Henry has confessed for the first time that star striker Luis Suarez’s old contract did have a £40m buy-out clause by the club refused to sell anyway.

Suarez was wanted by Arsenal and the London based club made an infamous £40m plus £1 to try and lure him from Anfield.

A move that prompted John Henry to respond to Arsenal’s offer by tweeting “What do you think they’re smoking over there at Emirates?”

But Liverpool refused to sell and gave the impression that such a clause did not exist in the strikers’ contract.  Saurez eventually committed to Liverpool by signing a new bumper deal.

Speaking on the previous contract henry said “Arsenal offered £40m and one pound for him and triggered his buy-out clause,” said Henry.

“Since apparently these contracts don’t seem to hold, we took the position we’re just not selling.” Henry said their stance had paid off for the player and the striker “It’s been great for Luis, it’s been great for us”.