Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart believes Luis Suarez deserves a new, five-year contract at Camp Nou for his "sensational" form and attitude.
After a slow start to the season Suarez has hit his stride, scoring a hat-trick to inspire Barca's 5-1 Clasico drubbing of Real Madrid.
Another double against Rayo Vallecano helped his side to a 3-2 win , as well as establishing the striker as La Liga's top scorer with nine strikes to date.
And according to Gaspart, his talents are indispensable despite the fact that he is approaching his 32nd birthday.
"I love what Luis Suarez has been saying, he is a great player and a sensational person," the former chief told Goal , in reference to recent comments where the player said he would "understand if Barca looked for a new striker".
"Players are usually selfish, they usually think that they come first and if they start to slip over the years it is not their problem.
"I heard him and thought, damn, what a great guy! If I were president I would give him five more years on his contract and if he doesn't play, it's fine!"
Gaspart was the man who helped bring a teenage Lionel Messi to the club from Argentina at the start of the 21st century.
The Argentine is currently recovering from a fractured arm, but could make a reappearance against Inter in this week's Champions League clash, a prospect that Gaspart has warned against.
"Messi should decide that on his own, with the medical staff, I would not risk an out-of-this-world player like him," he added.
"Valverde has been very sensible saying that we need him but we are not going to risk a repeat of the injury.
"Messi takes care of himself, he exercises and that is good because when his arm is cured he will be available and in perfect shape right from the off."
Barcelona visit San Siro on Tuesday evening for the fourth game of both teams' group stage and victory for the Catalunya club will secure a spot in the knockouts. Inter can draw level on nine points with a home win.
Ernesto Valverde's side will finish the weekend top of La Liga, with arch-rivals Real Madrid seven points adrift after 11 games.