Author: Soorya G
Gremio striker Luis Suárez, amid speculation of a possible departure and then confirming his stay until the end of the year, joined the club’s director of soccer, Antônio Brum, for a press conference on Saturday. In front of the press, the Uruguayan revealed his reason for not representing the Brazilian club in 2024, despite the fact that his contract runs until the end of next year.
Suárez has openly expressed that, due to a chronic knee illness and the rigorous schedule of Brazilian soccer, he would not be able to perform at the level that fans around the world expect from the Uruguayan on a regular basis.
“I believed I had the physical strength to last another two years, as I told the club. However, I had to be truthful and transparent in admitting that next year I won’t be able to perform to the best of my ability, given the challenges of Brazilian soccer. The decision was made after talks with the club” said the striker.
Regarding the possibility of retiring, Suárez confessed that he remains uncertain about his future in soccer after his departure from Gremio. In addition, the club had suggested a month’s break for Suárez to undergo treatment on his knee, but the player rejected the proposal. About a month ago, several Brazilian media outlets began speculating that Suárez’s retirement announcement was imminent, after senior Gremio officials revealed that the striker’s knee problem was more serious than expected. However, Suárez returned to action after a game off and has been in good form.
Suárez is rumored to be planning a move to join former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at Inter Miami. Negotiations could have begun this season, but Gremio have not been firm about paying the release clause to allow the Uruguayan to leave. The co-owner of Inter Miami, Jorge Mas, previously stated that he was interested in bringing the legendary center-forward to the USA and that he will try to do so after Suárez terminates his contract with Gremio. If the striker decides to prolong his career, his next move could well be to the MLS in a big reunion.