Barcelona forward Luis Suarez has shown his softer side by sending 500 Christmas parcels to children at a Uruguayan hospital.

The controversial striker is believed to have sent the festive gifts to the Pereira Rosell hospital in the capital Montevideo.

According to The Telegraph, the following message was included on the packages: "Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2015 with your loved ones. Luis Suarez and family."

Suarez scored his first league goal for Barcelona in their 5-0 win over Cordoba at the weekend.

The 27-year-old is rebuilding his reputation at Barca this season following another biting incident at the 2014 World Cup.