Uruguay striker Luis Suarez acknowledges that his playing days are nearing their end, but the veteran forward is determined to savor every moment of his illustrious career. Even with limited minutes on the pitch at the Copa America, Suarez remains a vital presence for Uruguay, having earned the title of the country’s all-time leading scorer with 68 international goals.
At 37 years old, Suarez has primarily featured as a late substitute in the tournament, totaling just eight minutes of playing time. However, he approaches his role with unwavering positivity and a deep appreciation for the game. “I’m enjoying every moment very much. It is something that at my age, as you get older, you enjoy it more and more whether you’re playing a lot or playing a little because you know that the flame of football is dying out,” Suarez said. “I’m just one more (player in the squad), you’ve already seen it. Playing or not playing, I’m happy with the part I’m doing and trying to help as much as I can.”
Once a formidable force in European football, Suarez’s impact extends beyond the goals he scores. Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone famously described a pivotal period in the 2020-21 title race as entering the “Luis Suarez zone”, recognizing the invaluable experience and leadership the striker brought to the team. As Uruguay prepares for a high-stakes quarter-final encounter against Brazil, Suarez expresses confidence in the younger players, believing they hold the key to success.
“I hope it (the zone) doesn’t appear in this Copa because that would mean that Uruguay is doing well and that it’s not necessary. If it’s needed, we’ll be there because we hope to write another chapter in the national team,” Suarez remarked. “This group gave a very big blow in the World Cup qualifiers by beating Brazil and Argentina. They earned that power on the pitch by showing that they can beat anyone… The time has come to prove it and it’s a great test for us.”
Suarez has also taken on a mentorship role, guiding 25-year-old striker Darwin Nunez. Nunez, who followed in Suarez’s footsteps by joining Premier League club Liverpool, has made his mark on the tournament with two goals. “I try to help as much as I can, I was in Darwin’s place, I was Darwin’s age,” Suarez shared. “El ‘Loco’ (Sebastian Abreu) was the first to support me and today, being in that place, you have to be a motivation for him.”
Suarez’s unwavering dedication and unwavering spirit serve as an inspiration to his teammates, proving that his impact extends beyond the playing field. As he approaches the twilight of his career, Suarez’s influence continues to shape the future of Uruguayan football.
