(Football news) Uruguayan legend Luis Suarez is set to join Brazilian Serie A side Gremio on a free transfer on a two-year contract until the end of 2024, the club announced on Saturday. Suarez bid farewell to his boyhood club Nacional in October after a dismal three months, although he went on to score eight goals in 16 games and won the Uruguayan Championship. He previously enjoyed success in Europe with Ajax Amsterdam, Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Suarez joins the Porto Alegre-based Brazilian side Gremio after spending Christmas in Rosario, Argentina, with his close friend Lionel Messi. Gremio will kick off 2023 by playing in the Recopa Gaucha Super Cup against Sao Luiz on Jan. 17. Suarez had earlier announced his exit from Uruguayan side Nacional in November after the team’s friendly match against Liverpool. In 16 appearances for the club, Suarez won the league title and subsequently took his career trophy tally to 10.
The former Liverpool player was heavily linked with a move to USA’s Major League Soccer but he instead announced his move to Brazil. Gremio are one of the most decorated Brazilian sides as they have won the Brazilian league twice, with the last triumph coming in 1996. Gremio is a five-time Brazil cup winner, the most recent being 2015. Suarez had exited Atletico Madrid in 2022 before joining Nacional.
The 35-year-old also played for Barcelona, Liverpool, Ajax and Groningen in Europe. He has gone on to make 507 appearances for these teams, scoring 337 goals. Suarez won the golden boot awards in the Dutch Eredivisie, Spanish La Liga and the Premier League. Suarez was also part of Barcelona’s treble winning side in 2014-15 and formed the famous MSN’ along with Lionel Messi and Neymar.
“One of the biggest in Uruguay’s history, Luis Suarez is coming to continue his victorious trajectory,” Gremio said on social media.
“A top goal scorer, a multiple champion, and a fighter. Welcome, Luisito.”
“I wanted to thank you for all the love I have received,” Suárez said in a video posted on social media. “We will meet shortly.”
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