Luis Suarez has officially been unveiled as an Inter Miami player.
After weeks of tough talks, the Uruguayan signed a one-year contract, with the option to extend in 2025.
Suarez will be reunited with his Barcelona teammates, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Lionel Messi.
The quadrant played together at the Catalan club from 2014 to 2020, before Suarez moved to Atletico Madrid.
This will be the first time the four players have stepped on the field together in four years.
Luis Suarez’s first words as an Inter Miami player
Inter Miami has been after Suarez’s services for quite some time.
Initially, the South Florida club was in for the Uruguayan this summer. But, due to Major League Soccer’s financial constraints, the organization was unable to add him to the roster.
Fortunately, Miami traded for General Allocation Money, which enabled them to buy down contracts to suit the cap. This mechanism freed up space so Suarez could officially join the team.
By all accounts, the Uruguayan is happy to finally join up with his ex, now current teammates, and to help bring more trophies to South Florida.
“I’m very happy and excited to take on this new challenge with Inter Miami,” Suarez said in the press release.
He continued: “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.”
“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 striker will also wear the number nine shirt for the club in 2024.
Suarez will join an Inter Miami attacking core that includes the aforementioned Messi, Finnish winger Robert Taylor, and youngsters Leonardo Campana and Facundo Farias.
Although age is creeping up on both Messi and Suarez, it’s evident that the pair still have plenty to give when surrounded by younger teammates.
The signing of Suarez immediately pushes Miami into MLS Cup contenders. However, it remains to be seen if they can consistently play through a 50+ game schedule next season.