Why I will retire with Messi — Luis Suarez

A love story between 2 friends is what football lovers would consider the story between Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, both former stars at Barcelona.

The Gremio striker who is currently 36 years is nearing his retirement from the game, however has revealed his aim to retire alongside former teammate and best friend, Lionel Messi.

Luis Suarez confirms both players still maintain regular contact and even spoke about his potential move to Inter Miami which failed due to Gremio insisting the Uruguayan fulfilled his end of the contract which could only be terminated not prior to December of 2023.

“With Messi, we dream of retiring together,” he was quoted saying to Punto Penal.

Luis Suarez also goes on to reveal its in both players’ plan to play together in the United States and perhaps retire from there together.

“It was something that we always planned when we were at Barcelona. And from one year to the next I went to Atletico and he went to PSG. We dreamed of it and we talked about it that after Barcelona we would go to the United States and nothing happened at the time.

“Now he made the decision to go there and from what you can see, he looks happy and we hope that at some point that possibility will occur

The former Liverpool star confirms he is aware of Inter Miami having made contact with Gremio over a possible move to Miami. However, the former Barcelona player reveals Inter Miami never made any contact with him on a move.

“I’m well aware that Inter Miami spoke with Gremio and that the club told them that I have a contract. I can say that [Inter Miami] has not spoken to me.

On talks about ending his contract at Gremio, Luis Suarez confirms the physicality of the Brazilian league taking a toll on his body that may hinder him from performing at an optimal level due to fitness concerns.

“I feel that next year I will not be able to perform due to my fitness and the high demands of the Brazilian championship, which is why the club and I have spoken about ending my contract [with Gremio] a year early.

“That would be in December. The club agreed and I’m grateful to them. I don’t know if I’ll continue to play somewhere else because I have a chronic issue with my knee that you all know about. I’d ask Gremio supporters to value the fact that they have a 36-year-old player who always plays despite having a lot of pain in his knee. That’s all I ask.”

It would be interesting to see Luis Suarez’s next move or destination and if both his and Messi’s dreams of retiring together will come true.