Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez was awarded the Golden Ball on Thursday, recognizing him as the player of the season in the Brazilian league.
This accolade comes ahead of his anticipated departure from the club Gremio. Suárez, aged 37, scored 17 goals for Gremio, which finished as the runner-up in the Brazilian league.
In the final match of the season, Suárez netted two goals in a 3-2 victory over Fluminense at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Despite facing challenges such as knee pain and long flights, Suárez played a total of 53 matches for Gremio and scored 26 goals across three competitions during the season.
The top scorer in the Brazilian league was Atletico Mineiro forward Paulinho, who scored 20 goals.
“I am almost 37 years old, this is the year I played the most times in my career. It was also the year I was most often distant from my family. This award belongs to them,” a tearful Suárez said after receiving the trophy from former Uruguay teammate Diego Lugano.
When questioned about his future, Luis Suárez did not provide a direct response. However, according to ESPN sources, a deal has reportedly been agreed upon for Suárez to move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami CF, where he would reunite with Lionel Messi.
Suárez expressed gratitude and mentioned that he will remember not only Gremio fans but also those of other clubs who respected him as an opponent.
“It is hard to see rival fans here applaud you when you play, and that did happen to me in some places,” Suárez said. “This is all about the player’s mind, it doesn’t matter how old they are.
“It could be Endrick at age 17, Hulk, Suárez. The mindset and the commitment have to be there for you to play and do what you like.”