Inter Miami has confirmed the arrival of Luis Suarez, with the striker relishing the chance to ‘reunite with great friends’ including Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer.
Suarez is the latest superstar to land in South Florida, following former Barcelona teammates Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets to the club which is co-owned by David Beckham.
‘Nothing more beautiful than with friends,’ Inter Miami wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of kids carrying the names of the team’s four superstars. The team then added: ‘Welcome to the Miami dream.’
The Uruguay international, who spent six years at Barcelona alongside Messi, Busquets and Alba, joins them at the MLS club following his departure from Brazilian side Gremio earlier this month.
‘I’m very happy and excited to take on this new challenge with Inter Miami,’ Suarez said. ‘I can’t wait to get started, and I’m ready to work to make the dream of winning more titles with this great club a reality.
‘I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together with our shared ambition,’ said Suarez
The Uruguay striker spent six years at Barcelona alongside Messi, Busquets and Alba
‘I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together with our shared ambition. I will give my all to bring joy to these great fans I’ve heard so much about while I wear Inter Miami colors, and look forward to reuniting with great friends and players. I’m also eager to meet my new teammates and coaches.’
The 36-year-old – a Champions League, Copa America, and five-time La Liga winner – has signed a one-year deal with reports claiming the deal includes an option to extend for a further season.
Beckham hailed the arrival of Suarez, saying: ‘We are delighted to have a player of Luis’ quality and passion for the game join our club.
‘He joins a squad that is inspiring the next generation and we look forward to seeing him take to the field with both former teammates and young players from our academy.’
Suarez amassed 195 goals and 113 assists in 283 appearances for Barcelona between 2014 and 2020. Together with Messi, Alba, Busquets and Co, the Catalan side won the Champions League, the Club World Cup and four La Liga titles.
The 36-year-old – a European and five-time La Liga champion – has signed a one-year dea
The 36-year-old has made 138 appearances for his country, scoring a record 68 goals.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas claimed Suarez’ work ethic typifies what the club is looking to build. ‘Luis is a fierce competitor whose winning drive embodies what we want out of our players.
‘We promised our fans we would pursue the world’s best players to build a squad that can compete at the highest echelons in the Americas.’
Earlier this week, meanwhile, the Miami Herald reported that the club traded its No 3 draft pick in the MLS SuperDraft for FC Dallas ‘ No 15 selection and $300,000 in general allocation money. Those funds are expected to go towards paying Suarez’s salary.
Inter Miami first hinted at the signing after waiving forward Josef Martinez at the end of the 2023 season. The club is also expected to sign winger Julian Gressel from the newly-crowned MLS Champions Columbus Crew, per the Miami Herald.
