Luis Suarez’s 15-year European career with Groningen, Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid has come to an end when he agreed to a free transfer to his boyhood club Nacional.
The former Liverpool striker, 35, joined Nacional 21 years ago and rose through the ranks before transferring to Europe in 2006. He’s subsequently played in the Netherlands, England, and Spain, but he’s about to come home.
Suarez is regarded as one of the finest attackers of his time, having scored over 500 goals for both club and country. He’s played for some of the world’s top teams, including Liverpool, Ajax, and Barcelona, winning trophies in four countries and at the international level.
The 132-cap international has five La Liga crowns, the Eredivisie title, the Champions League, the EFL Cup, and the Copa America. He’s only won one prize in South American football, the Uruguayan championship, and he’s aiming for more on his return.
Suarez displayed a lot of promise during his one full season with Nacional, scoring 12 goals in all competitions to help them win the title. He joined Groningen in 2006 and played for them for one season before being recruited by Ajax in 2007.
“I’ve now reached a pre-agreement to join Nacional; it was difficult for me to turn down this opportunity,” Suarez confessed in a social media video. “I’m hoping that the final details will be worked out shortly so that we can formally close the deal.”
Suarez’s future has recently been the subject of much speculation, with claims circulating that his former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard was interested in bringing him to Aston Villa. Several clubs, notably David Beckham’s Inter Miami, were interested in signing him, and Borussia Dortmund reportedly offered him a contract.
Despite this, Nacional was able to secure Suarez’s services thanks to a fan effort. Around 20,000 fans wore Suarez masks to a home game earlier this month. They also displayed banners inviting him to join and sang his name loudly.
Nacional is one of South America’s most successful clubs, having won 48 Uruguayan crowns, the Copa Libertadores three times, and numerous other accolades. They are currently top of the aggregate league and on track to capture their second domestic title.
Suarez discussed a return to South America with Argentine club River Plate earlier this month. He also hinted that he would join Nacional.
“I was quite thrilled about heading to River Plate to compete for the Copa Libertadores,” Suarez told reporters. “Winning a cup in South America was a dream of mine.” However, once River was gone, that option vanished.
“I proclaimed a month and a half ago that I was not leaving Europe, but River insisted so strongly that I began to consider it.” You will think about everything you say when the time comes. You’re overjoyed that they adore you so much. A player must be shown affection. River was handing it to me, and Nacional could have done the same.”