Montevideo, Nov 13 (IANS): Uruguay star striker Luis Suarez said being barred from playing in the 2015 Copa America was "very painful".

In June, FIFA banned Suarez for four months and suspended him from nine competitive international matches after he bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during a 2014 World Cup match, reports Xinhua.

"The suspension is very painful and during this time I will try to support my teammates as much as I can," Suarez told reporters Wednesday in Montevideo, where he was training with the national team as it prepares for a friendly match against Costa Rica Thursday.

The 27-year-old Suarez, who plays for Spanish club Barcelona, said that he is glad to be back home and training with the national team.

"Playing over here with all the people is nice. It's a positive thing for me."

About his absence from the list of 23 finalists who vied for FIFA's coveted 2014 Golden Ball trophy, Suarez said, "It looks like they (compiled the names) between last June and the World Cup."

Uruguay will be heading to next year's Copa America to be held in Chile as the defending champion.