Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed that speculation over Luis Suarez's future last summer was a "real test" for him as a manager.
Suarez was angling for a move and the Reds rejected two bids from Arsenal for their Uruguayan forward.
Suarez was banished from the team after citing "broken promises" over the club's reluctance to sell him, but he has since returned to score 23 goals this term.
"It was a real test, but it took me back to why I was here at the club," he told Sky Sports News.
"I was here to protect the club and I've always been ambitious at the club. We all knew once the window had shut there wasn't going to be any fall out from that.
"We've made Luis one of the pillars of the team since."
Liverpool visit West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.
