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11 months ago
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Legendary striker Luis Suarez and his family waved goodbye to a stadium full of fans after he played his final game for Gremio.
Suarez went out in style, scoring the only goal of the game in Gremio's 1-0 win over Vasco da Gama on Sunday night. After the final whistle he was given a standing ovation by the jam-packed crowd.
He was also joined on the field by his family for the final goodbye. Suarez's two sons - Benjamin and Lauti - and daughter Delfina sprinted across the field to give him a hug after the game before his wife Sofia joined them.
'A beautiful chapter of our history was written by you,' the Brazilian club wrote on social media. 'Wherever you are, you will forever be IMMORTAL!'
Gremio added: 'It wasn't a dream... farewell to the protagonist of this chapter of our history: victory, goal and special message for you.'
GRACIAS, @LuisSuarez9 🥹🇪🇪 Um capítulo lindo de nossa história foi escrito por ti. O 4º maior artilheiro em atividade do mundo deixou a sua marca 27 vezes com nosso manto. Onde estiver, serás para sempre IMORTAL! 💙 pic.twitter.com/gtcy7aLshE
— Grêmio FBPA (@Gremio) December 4, 2023Luis Suarez waved goodbye to the fans at Gremio after playing his final game with the team
Suarez is now a free agent and the 36-year-old has been tipped to join Inter Miami. That would see him reunited with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
His exit from the Brazilian club was confirmed earlier in the week by Gremio manager Renato Gaucho.
'I can feel pain, my body is speaking for me. I want to enjoy and then decide for myself after a long career,' Suarez said on his future.
'I need to rest, enjoy my family… then the destiny will know where I'll be in the future'.
The striker has scored 27 goals in 52 appearances for Gremio and Gaucho admitted Suarez will leave a big hole to fill.
Suarez was joined by his wife Sofia and their three children during the goodbye ceremony
He marked the occasion in style - scoring the only goal in the game to give Gremio a win
'Are we going to miss him? Certainly, without a doubt, he is very loved by everyone,' Gaucho said ahead of Suarez's final match.
'I had the pleasure of working with a great professional, one of the best in the world, fourth highest scorer in the world. This void will remain for the next year, because it's not easy to find someone of his talent and ability.
'When you find someone else, it's unfeasible to bring him in financially. Unfortunately, as I said before, it was very difficult for him to stay. Everyone wanted it, but only he could reverse this decision.
'Unfortunately, he will leave and there will be this vacuum in Gremio's attack. Then it's up to the board and president to try and find another striker.
'It was a great pleasure, not only for me but for the whole club. A guy who always gave himself, an exemplary professional.'
Suarez is now a free agent and has been linked with a move to Inter Miami in the United States
A move to Inter Miami would lead to a reunion with his former Barca teammate, Lionel Messi
Even at age 36, Suarez left his mark on the Brazilian club.
'It's a great sadness for everyone,' Gaucho continued. 'He arrived at the beginning of the year, he has helped us a lot, the fans were enchanted with him.
'He is an extraordinary professional on and off the field. He arrived quietly, he was letting go, playing, accepting the games.
'I often wanted to take him out of training or a game, but he wanted to continue. He wants to play every game and it doesn't hurt.'
English (US)