Luis Suárez reveals why he moved to MLS in first press conference as Inter Miami player

At long, long last, Luis Suárez has arrived in Major League Soccer. On Saturday, Inter Miami officially unveiled the former Barcelona striker, who told the media of his excitement at being reunited with Lionel Messi, as well as his desire to fire The Herons to as many trophies as possible in 2024.

Nico Lodeiro friendship key to MLS move

The Uruguayan also revealed, when asked by AS USA, that he had contemplated moving to the United States as early as 2019 thanks to his close friend Nicolás Lodeiro, who starred for Seattle Sounders between 2016 and last year and who will line up against Suárez for Florida rivals Orlando City in the upcoming campaign.

“I always talked to Nico a lot because I watched his games, we have a great relationship. Now we will be rivals because we will play the ‘Clásico’ (del Sol) which is nice. The same thing happened with Leo when I played for Atlético Madrid against Barcelona. Those games against friends are nice. One of the first times I started thinking about it (MLS) was 2019-2020, I was already excited by it then. That’s part of soccer, I was given the opportunity to play for Atlético, then the chance to return to my country and then to Brazil. This is another nice opportunity and I intend to enjoy it and try to achieve big things,” explained the 36-year-old.

Grêmio commitment delayed Inter Miami transfer

Súarez recalls that talks with Inter Miami took place at various points during his time with Grêmio but he opted to fulfil his commitment to the Brazilian team, which he felt was the right thing to do. Now, however, he finally finds himself where he has wanted to be for quite some time.

“In 2019 or 2020 is when I was most excited about it, but physically I felt good enough to continue playing in Europe and that’s when I went to Atlético. The chance to move here didn’t come up then, but it did when I went to Grêmio. I had to put it aside, though, because I had a contract with Grêmio and what I had to do was try to be professional and wait to see if it came back around when I finished there,” the ex-Liverpool attacker added.

2024 Copa América a factor in MLS decision

Súarez also spoke about his desire to play in the 2024 Copa América, revealing the fact it will be played in the United States was another reason which made a switch to MLS attractive.

However, the veteran forward knows he will have to perform at club level to be selected by Uruguay, who will be coached at the tournament by Marcelo Bielsa. If he does ultimately feature, it will be his fifth, and almost certainly last, Copa América.

“Anyone who has been in the national team always wants to stay in the national team. I’ve always said that. I had a chance to step aside after the (2022) World Cup, but when I was in Brazil I felt good physically and that I could help the team from anywhere. You have to accept the role you have to play and coming here to the United States, knowing the Copa América is being played this year, is another plus. It helps to acclimatise, knowing it will be hot, and that’s good, it’s important to get to know the country. After that, my performances on the field will help the coach decide if I can make a contribution. That will always be based on performances, not on reputation.”

You can follow how Suárez gets on with Inter Miami in MLS on AS USA.