Former Liverpool and Barcelona striker,
Luis Suarez, has revealed the pain and effort it takes him to continue to turn up in boots and shin guards as a professional footballer.
The Uruguayan international recently called his time on his career with Brazilian side Gremio when he penned an emotional message on social media to bid farewell to the supporters of the club.
However, despite being 36, his departure from Gremio does not coincide with retirement from the beautiful game, as he is reportedly expected to reunite with his friend and former Barca teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in the MLS.
Suarez has had a storied career across six clubs and is generally regarded by many as one of the best strikers of his generation.
However, behind this beautiful story of the sun setting on an incredible career was one of pain, as Suarez revealed the sacrifices in the form of physical toll on his body he has had to endure to continue to play professionally.
“Days before each game, I take three pills, and hours before playing, I get an injection. If not, I can’t play. Hence the limp,” he told Radio 890 Sport, per the Euro Football.
“I have to think that in maybe five years I won’t be able to play 5-a-side football with my friends.
“The truth is that the first steps in the morning are very painful. Anyone who sees me thinks that it is impossible for me to play a game. My son asks me to play with him and I simply cannot.”
Express co.uk reports that the Uruguayan striker received a big send-off from both his teammates and supporters on Sunday, in a packed-out stadium. The forward was joined on the pitch by his children – sons Benjamin and Lauti and daughter Delfina – where he received a hero’s farewell.
The veteran scored 27 goals in 52 appearances during his time at Gremio, leaving manager Renato Gaucho admitting that the Urugyuan would be difficult to replace.
Speaking after the match on Sunday, Gaucho said: “Are we going to miss him? Certainly, without a doubt, he is very loved by everyone. 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.
