Luis Suarez, a former striker for Barcelona, is thinking about retiring because of his troubles at Gremio with a recurring knee problem.
In the start of this year, the Uruguayan striker signed a two-year free agency contract with the Brazilian team. The striker’s right knee osteoarthritis, meanwhile, has forced him to play despite the discomfort. Suarez has been receiving specific medical care from the club’s medical staff. He was given the day off from playing on artificial grass out of an abundance of caution and rested against Palmeiras in the Brazilian Championship.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: According to GOAL sources, the situation has worsened, and the player has already initiated discussions with the board. Suarez has admitted that he is now considering retiring from the game earlier than planned. The 36-year-old has a contract with Gremio until 2024 and there will be further meetings between the club and the player regarding his future.
AND WHAT’S MORE: There was speculation that Suarez might be heading to Inter Miami to reunite with his former Barcelona team-mate Messi in the MLS. However, GOAL has learned that Gremio are well protected, as a clause in his contract prevents the striker from joining another club within 30 months if he leaves the Brazilian Serie A outfit due to injury. Hence to manufacture a transfer to MLS, Inter Miami would need to thrash out a deal with Gremio.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
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WHAT NEXT? Suarez is Gremio’s top scorer this season with 14 goals in 26 games but the knee injury threatens early retirement for the prolific striker, who previously enjoyed successful spells at Barcelona, Liverpool and Ajax.
