Inter Miami have confirmed the signing of Luis Suarez on a free transfer, reuniting the striker with his former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
After spending eight seasons in Spain with Barca and Atletico Madrid, winning LaLiga five times, Suarez returned to his boyhood club Nacional in Uruguay in 2022.
He then joined Gremio for the 2023 season as they marked their return to the Brazilian top flight with a second-place finish, with the 36-year-old netting 17 times in league action.
Suarez had long been linked with a move to MLS, and he will reprise his partnership with close friend Messi in 2024 after penning a one-year contract with the David Beckham-owned franchise.
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“We are delighted to have a player of Luis’ quality and passion for the game join our club,” Beckham told the club’s website as the move was made official on Friday.
“He joins a squad that is inspiring the next generation and we look forward to seeing him take to the field with both former team-mates and young players from our academy.”
Oficial: Bienvenido a casa, @LuisSuarez9
We have signed Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez to a contract running through the 2024 Major League Soccer season!
Details: https://t.co/SlaFVn0XM0 pic.twitter.com/1mLJs0a78i
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 22, 2023
A series of talismanic performances from Messi guided Miami to the first trophy in their history as they lifted the Leagues Cup in August, and Suarez hopes to play a part in bringing more silverware to Florida.
“I’m very happy and excited to take on this new challenge with Inter Miami. 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,” the Uruguay legend said.
“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.”
Suarez could now play a part in a series of high-profile friendlies for Miami in the new year, with the Herons due to meet Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Messi’s former club Newell’s Old Boys before the 2024 MLS season begins in late February.
Miami will then begin their regular-season campaign at home to Real Salt Lake on February 22, before going on the road to face the LA Galaxy the following week.
Bienvenido Luis Suárez, al sueño de Miami pic.twitter.com/Vi3bJZ679f
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 22, 2023
