Luis Suárez will leave Gremio a year earlier than expected, but his only season in Porto Alegre was enough for him to get into the Tricolor fans’ hearts. With 26 goals in 53 matches, “Lucho” proved he still has enough left in the tank to shine in Brazilian football, even at the age of 36.
His impact in the Brasileirao was such that even fans of other teams appreciated his performances in 2023. In an interview with Juan Pablo Varsky on his YouTube channel “Clank!” the Uruguayan highlighted the affection and importance that Brazilian fans give to the beautiful game.
READ MORE
++ How did Suárez break the news that he would leave Gremio at the end of the season?
++ Luis Suárez leads Brasileirao best team of the 2023 season made up by foreign players
++ Luis Suarez posts message farewell from Brazilian football as Inter Miami rumors intensify
Suárez praises Brazilian fans
“What I liked the most was the passion of the Brazilian player, the fans, the entire team. There are fans who don’t have a good time and start saying bad words, but that’s normal. But I will always remember the affection shown by all Gremio fans and those from the other side. It’s rare for fans of another team to applaud when you play, and that happened in some stadiums. I’m proud, and this memory will last forever,” said Suárez.
It wasn’t an easy season for the Uruguayan, who had to overcome constant pain in his right knee to take the field. “It was a hectic year. Physically and psychologically. It ended in a beautiful way. It was enjoyed. There was a lot of sacrifice and effort. The conclusion is that it was worth it. You get used to the rhythm of Brazil. One has the strength to want to play always. There was no match where I didn’t want to be, be it the Campeonato Gaúcho, the Copa, or anything else. But more than anything, because of the commitment I want to have with the clubs I go to,” he added.
Even so, the veteran striker made it clear that his competitive mentality never changed: “The way of playing was always the same. The desire, desire, desire. And there are times when you can’t. My problem started in 2019, in Barcelona. They sewed up the outer meniscus of my right leg. In March 2020, with the pandemic, I couldn’t get it checked, and the knee had remained in a way that is not normal for a player. There are many conclusions to draw. First is playing with pain. Then, how much can you endure with the pain? Also, how does it affect you psychologically.”
