Luis Suarez has raised doubt on his anticipated reunion with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, hinting at a possible retirement.
The 36-year-old Uruguayan striker has made his farewell game for Gremio, who have decided to release him from the final year of his contract. Suarez bid an emotional farewell in 52 games this year, scoring 24 goals and giving 17 assists. It was expected that he will now travel to the United States and join an ex-Barcelona teammate in Florida.
Suarez has, however, suggested that there are no guarantees that he will end up in MLS, with no decision made as yet regarding an extension to his playing career through 2024. The former Liverpool frontman has said: “I can feel pain, my body is speaking for me. I want to enjoy and then decide for myself after a long career. I need to rest, enjoy my family… then the destiny will know where I’ll be in the future.”
Gremio boss Renato Gaucho has said of working with Suarez, who is considered to be an all-time great: “Are we going to miss him? Certainly, without a doubt, he is very loved by everyone. I had the pleasure of working with a great professional, one of the best in the world, fourth highest scorer in the world. This void will remain for the next year, because it’s not easy to find someone of his talent and ability. When you find someone else, it’s unfeasible to bring him in financially. Unfortunately, as I said before, it was very difficult for him to stay. Everyone wanted it, but only he could reverse this decision. Unfortunately, he will leave and there will be this vacuum in Gremio’s attack. Then it’s up to the board and president to try and find another striker. It was a great pleasure, not only for me but for the whole club. A guy who always gave himself, an exemplary professional.”
There is still a chance that Suarez will be alongside Messi when the next MLS season begins, with the Argentine icon – who is also 36 years old – taking a well-deserved rest before pursuing more major silverware that will cement his status as the most decorated player in history.