Inter Miami have announced the signing of striker Luis Suarez.
Suarez, 36, joins as a free agent, having left Brazilian club Gremio at the end of the 2023 season.
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The Uruguayan joins a Miami squad containing former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who won four La Liga titles and a Champions League together from 2014-2020.
The club confirmed the move alongside the message: “Welcome Luis Suarez, to the dream of Miami.”
Bienvenido Luis Suárez, al sueño de Miami 💫 pic.twitter.com/Vi3bJZ679f
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 22, 2023
Suarez says he is relishing a fresh challenge and vowed to “bring joy” to the club’s fanbase.
“I’m very happy and excited to take on this new challenge with Inter Miami,” he said in a statement. “I can’t wait to get started, and I’m ready to work to make the dream of winning more titles with this great club a reality. I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together with our shared ambition.
“I will give my all to bring joy to these great fans I’ve heard so much about while I wear Inter Miami colours, and look forward to reuniting with great friends and players. I’m also eager to meet my new team-mates and coaches.”
Managing owner Jorge Mas added: “Luis is a fierce competitor whose winning drive embodies what we want out of our players. We promised our fans we would pursue the world’s best players to build a squad that can compete at the highest echelons in the Americas.
“Coming off an award-winning season in Brazil, Luis will be a key addition to our roster. We will continue to be ambitious and always strive to pursue the freedom to dream.
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“We are delighted to have a player of Luis’ quality and passion for the game join our club,” co-owner David Beckham said.
“He joins a squad that is inspiring the next generation and we look forward to seeing him take to the field with both former teammates and young players from our academy.”
Suarez scored 24 goals in 52 games for Gremio during the 2023 season while battling a knee issue, which may restrict his ability to feature in every game for Miami.
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“The truth is that the first steps I take in the morning are very painful,” he told Urugay’s 100% Deporte radio show earlier this month. “Anyone who sees me thinks it is impossible for me to play a game. My son asks me to play with him and I am not able to.
“On the inside I have cartilage wear and that hits the bone. No liquid is generated but sometimes it gets stuck. Before games, I take three pills and inject myself.”
MLS teams are permitted three designated players (DPs). Messi, Busquets and Gregore finished last season as Miami’s DPs, though Miami can buy down Gregore to free up a spot if they so choose.
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(Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
