David Beckham has shared a playful request he frequently receives from Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets at Inter Miami.
As co-owner of the Herons, the Manchester United legend played a key role in attracting former Barcelona stars to Major League Soccer. With their arrival, Beckham hopes to see them bring MLS Cup success to South Florida.
While he remains actively involved with the club, his role does not extend to stepping onto the pitch—despite regular pleas from Messi, Suarez, and Busquets to join them in training. The former England captain, renowned for his passing and free-kick ability, continues to resist their playful attempts to get him back in action.
Beckham has told Men’s Health: “Do you know what, they’re always on at me, Leo, Luis, Jordi [Alba], Sergio. They will turn around and say, ‘Come on, come on, join in!’” Said requests continue to be knocked back, with head coach Javier Mascherano being left to work without any unnecessary distractions.
The Uruguayan Football Federation paid tribute to Luis Suarez as he announced his retirement from international football by referencing one of the most infamous moments of his career – his handball againstGhana during the 2010 World Cup.
In a post shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Uruguay posted a video of the controversial incident that played a key role in their victory over Ghana in the quarterfinals, along with a caption honouring Suarez’s legacy.
The tribute highlighted the defining moment that left a lasting impression on football history and Suarez’s career: “Nothing will be the same without him.”
Luis Suarez left a nostalgic comment on a social media post with an emoji, reflecting on a memorable moment from his career.
The Uruguayan forward recently announced his retirement from international football, ahead of Uruguay’s World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
This match will mark Suarez’s final appearance for his national team.
As Uruguay’s all-time top scorer, Suarez boasts an impressive record of 69 goals in 142 appearances since making his debut in February 2007 against Colombia.
His career also holds a significant place in football history, especially for Ghanaians and Africans, due to the infamous match at the 2010 World Cup.
The quarter-final between Uruguay and Ghana, played 14 years ago, ended in heartbreak for Ghana, who were on the brink of a historic semi-final appearance. However, they were ultimately eliminated in a penalty shootout.
Luis Suarez criticized the Colombian players following a heated Copa America semi-final clash against Uruguay. Colombia clinched a narrow win with Jefferson Lerma’s 39th-minute goal.
However, tensions erupted at the final whistle, leading to chaos on the field involving players, referees, camera crews, and officials. Suarez was seen confronting and pushing Colombian players and staff members amid the commotion.
Darwin Nunez, meanwhile, climbed into the stands to face Colombian fans post-game. Shirtless and visibly furious, Nunez exchanged punches and defended himself as drinks were thrown at him. After the match, Suarez spoke to the media, voicing his frustration over the chaotic aftermath.
“What bothers me the most is the way they mock,” Suarez stated. “There are always clashes, laughs, words, whatever. But what bothers me the most is the way they mock and celebrate, it makes no sense. We eliminated Brazil and none of us walked past any Brazilian player. On the contrary, we went to greet them.
We’re colleagues on the field; we know the suffering of a defeat. Walking past a fellow professional like that looks bad, but the one above sees everything and everything comes back. As a group, we need to rise, stay strong, and stay united. We will often face situations like this”.
CONMEBOL has released a statement condemning the post-game violence, though the actions to be taken are yet unclear.
In the wake of Colombia’s triumph, anticipation builds for an electrifying Copa America final againstArgentina, led by Lionel Messi. The upcoming match is poised to be a gripping showdown, with both sides determined to claim the prestigious trophy.
Luis Suarez has showcased his acting talents in a humorous advertisement centred around Lionel Messi, which has left Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham thoroughly amused.
The experienced Uruguayan striker has reunited with his former Barcelona teammate in Florida, where Manchester United and England icon Beckham have played a key role in arranging significant deals.
Known for their close friendship, Suarez and Beckham have been enjoying their time together on the field throughout 2024.
As they prepare for Copa America with Uruguay and Argentina, respectively, Luis Suarez has taken time before the tournament to star in a comedic production that humorously depicts his relationship with Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
In the advertisement, Suarez is besieged by friends, neighbors, and even a taxi driver seeking autographs and tickets to watch Messi play.
The 37-year-old’s patience is tested as everyone focuses more on his connection to the famous colleague than his own abilities.
However, he finds solace in a refreshing beer, cooling off from the chaos.
David Beckham and others have enjoyed the lighthearted nature of the production, which once again features playful references to Messi as a “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time).
Beckham, particularly, hopes Suarez and Messi can reignite their successful on-field partnership upon their return to Chase Stadium following international commitments.
Inter Miami has unveiled the squad numbers for the upcoming 2024 MLS season, providing insights into the jerseys Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will don.
Following their historic League Cup triumph in 2023, shortly after Messi’s remarkable move to the United States, Inter Miami aims to pursue more major honours in the upcoming campaign.
Before competitive action kicks off, Inter Miami has a series of friendly matches on their agenda, including the club’s inaugural international tour and high-profile clashes with teams like Vissel Kobe, Newell’s Old Boys, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
The club’s official website has disclosed the assigned numbers for these games, confirming Messi’s continuation with his iconic No. 10 shirt.
New signing Suarez will sport the No. 9 jersey, while Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retain their numbers 5 and 18, respectively. USMNT star Julian Gressel will don the No. 24 shirt.
Messi, included in the travelling squad, is set to make his debut in Inter Miami’s first pre-season match of 2024 against El Salvador on Friday. Subsequently, they will face FC Dallas on Monday before embarking on a tour to Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Japan.
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.
Feliz por recibir estos premios tan valiosos en el Fútbol Brasileño! 🇧🇷
Gracias todos por el reconocimiento de “Cracke do Brasileirao” y “Melhor atacante”.
Van dedicados especialmente para mi mujer y mis hijos, todo esfuerzo tiene su recompensa 🏆 pic.twitter.com/LoyvviwEjQ
“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.”
Luis Suarez has expressed that he is in no rush to secure his next club after concluding his final match in front of Gremio fans as his contract nears expiration.
While the 36-year-old has drawn interest from Inter Miami, where he could potentially reunite with his close friend and former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, Suarez has not provided any clear indication of his future playing destination.
“I need to enjoy my family because I arrived here 11 months ago and didn’t have a vacation,” Suarez said. “My children had vacation for a month and a-half and they were here supporting me, knowing how difficult it was for me.
“And I need to rest, take advantage of them and then fate will know where it will touch me, but I’m in no hurry; now it’s time to enjoy it now and then see what happens.”
The Uruguay international, who scored in Sunday’s 1-0 win against Vasco da Gama, said of leaving Gremio: “People think it’s easy to make a decision like this, but it’s not easy at all.
“I would like to play [in the Copa Libertadores], but what speaks is my body. The pain I feel on a daily basis is a lot. And I have to think about Luiz Suarez being human.
“I have a very long career and I think I have earned the right to decide, to say that enough is enough, and to be able to decide where to play and enjoy my children and my wife after a very complicated year.
“It will be the year that I have playedthe most games in my career. And that says a lot. But I really enjoyed it. I was very happy. I did the job I wanted, which was helping the team.”
Former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has dubbed his current manager a “disaster” and the “worst coach” of his career.
Throughout his career, the mysterious Italian frontman has garnered a lot of attention, sometimes not for the best reasons.
The 33-year-old forward has played for 11 different clubs throughout his career, with his current employers Adana Demirspor being the latest stop on his nomadic lifestyle.
He spent two stints in England, winning the Premier League title at City, but after arriving at Anfield in 2014, he went through a trying period at Liverpool. He told TVPlay about the manager he worked under on Merseyside:
“Brendan Rodgers is the worst coach I have ever had.
He was number one as far as training sessions were concerned, what with keeping possession of the ball and the small-sided games. But as a person he was a disaster.”
Upon joining Liverpool as a replacement for the departed Luis Suarez, Balotelli managed to score only four goals in 28 appearances for the Reds. Responding to criticism from the mercurial talent, Rodgers had previously addressed the matter on talkSPORT.
“He was probably absolutely spot on. I just couldn’t really connect with Mario. He was one that came in very late in the window. It was a gamble taken from a club perspective.
“It was one where he’s a big talent, he’ll come in and develop, he’s got all the tools. In all fairness, I just found it very difficult to connect with Mario. On the field, he tried his best. But it certainly wasn’t something that worked out as everyone would like. If he could ever match that intensity with his talent, then he’d be one of the best players in the world.”
After winning the Champions League and Serie A with Inter, Balotelli also won the FA Cup while he was with City. Despite winning 36 caps for his nation and winning the coveted Golden Boy award in 2010, he is still a story of what might have been if his game had reached its full potential.
Luis Suarez is on the verge of joining Inter Miami after his contract with Brazilian club Gremio expires in December, according to TyC.
The 36-year-old striker is excited about the prospect of playing alongside his friend and former Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi, at Inter Miami next year.
In his 46 appearances for Gremio, Suarez has scored 19 goals and provided 16 assists in all competitions.
Inter Miami had attempted to sign the Uruguayan in the previous transfer window but were unsuccessful.
Suarez is expected to travel to Miami in December once he becomes a free agent to finalise his contract with The Herons.
Luis Suarez (36) continues to display his football prowess, as the former Liverpool and Barcelona striker recently scored a remarkable 30-yard free-kick in his latest appearance for Gremio.
In a derby match against Internacional on Sunday, the seasoned Uruguayan striker showcased his skills.
Although his efforts weren’t enough to secure victory for his team, which suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat, Suarez injected hope when he unleashed a long-range strike with 16 minutes remaining in the game.
Suarez’s decision to take a shot on goal from such a considerable distance outside the penalty area initially seemed ambitious.
However, he managed to generate sufficient power in his strike, piercing through a defensive wall that crumbled in front of him and ultimately finding the bottom corner of the net.
In the 2023 campaign, Suarez has netted an impressive 21 goals for Gremio, proving that the South American forward is still in fine form. Prior to his stint in South America, Suarez had a successful career in Europe, playing for renowned clubs such as Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid.
Rumours have circulated about Suarez potentially reuniting with his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in 2024.
Gremio is reportedly open to terminating his contract at the end of the calendar year, further fueling speculation about his future.
Luis Suarez is prepared to buy out his Gremio contract in order to reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami this season.
Suarez, who joined Gremio earlier in 2023 on a two-year deal, seems determined to play alongside his close friend and former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi again at Inter Miami.
According to ESPN Brasil, the Brazilian club are aware of the striker’s desire to leave the club and could sanction the move as the club does not want to continue with a player who is reluctant to stay.
In order to negotiate a settlement with his current club, the veteran Uruguayan striker is willing to repay all the wages he has received in 2023 thus far along with some additional payments.
Inter Miami have already made room for Suarez at the club, while Gremio coach Renato Gaucho has admitted Suarez has become “a problem” for Gremio because he wants to move.
Real Madrid C. F., its President and its Board of Directors have expressed their sincere sadness over the passing of Luis Suárez, aged 88.
He was one of the greatest legends of Spanish and world football, and the first and only Spanish player to win the Ballon d’Or in 1960.
Luis Suárez played for Deportivo de La Coruña, F. C. Barcelona, Inter Milan and U. C. Sampdoria.
He won 2 league titles, 2 Fairs Cups and 2 Spanish Cups with F. C. Barcelona. With Inter Milan he won 2 European Cups, 2 Intercontinental Cups and 3 Scudettos. He won 32 caps for the Spanish national team and won the 1964 European Championship.
Luis Suárez was Spanish national team coach between 1988 and 1991, and also Spain U-21 coach, claiming the 1986 U-21 European Championship. He coached clubs such as Inter Milan, U. C. Sampdoria, Como 1907, Cagliari Calcio and Deportivo La Coruña.
In surprising news, reports suggest that Luis Suarez, the former Liverpool and Barcelona striker currently playing for Grêmio in Brazil, is contemplating retirement from his illustrious football career.
The 36-year-old, widely regarded as one of the finest strikers of his generation, is said to be considering this decision due to persistent knee pain.
Despite making 25 appearances for Grêmio this season, Suarez has reportedly informed the club about his intention to retire as a result of the troublesome knee injury, according to Marca.
This new development all but quashes any possibility of Suarez’s reunion with his long-time friend and former teammate Lionel Messi.
Messi recently agreed to join Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami, and it was rumoured that Suarez could follow the Argentine.
Suarez’s career timeline
Regardless of his decision, there is no denying that Luis Suarez has had a career many football players would love to have.
He came up with FC Nacional in his home country before moving to the Netherlands at the tender age of 19, joining Dutch outfit Groningen, as per Transfermkt.
At Groningen, he impressively netted 15 goals and seven assists in 37 games, attracting the interest of FC Ajax, who wasted no time taking up his services.
It was at Ajax that Suarez really made a name for himself, bagging 111 goals and 68 assists in three seasons with the club, eventually joining Liverpool in January 2011.
His 11-year stint in Europe also saw him play for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but it was at Barca where he will be remembered fondly as one of the members of the most formidable attack in history also comprising of Lionel Messi and Neymar.
As part of the notorious MSN at Barcelona, Suarez netted 195 goals and got 113 assists as he won four La Liga title , the Champions League and other pieces of silverware with the Catalan giants before leaving in 2020.
He is also the leading marksman for his nation Uruguay with 68 goals.
Asamoah Gyan retires
Sports Brief also reported on the retirement of Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan, whose heart was broken by Luis Suarez’s handball in the 2010 World Cup.
Spanning nearly two decades, Gyan’s illustrious career blossomed with countless unforgettable moments, leading many football enthusiasts to consider him as the greatest player of his generation and even transcending the boundaries of time.
Despite a fairly decent career, Gyan’s football stint has been filled with heartbreaking moments as well.
Following his Sunday goal for Gremio, Luis Suarez shared a message of support for Lucas Leiva.
Even though he joined Gremio in December, Suarez was reunited with his former Liverpool teammate but was unable to play alongside the Brazilian midfielder.
After a routine screening revealed a heart condition, Lucas had already been forced to withdraw from training earlier that month.
The 36-year-old revealed at a press conference on Friday that he had made the decision to end his playing career on the advice of doctors after taking some time to assess and undergo additional testing.
Suarez – who played for Liverpool alongside Lucas between 2011 and 2014 – paid tribute to him after opening the scoring for Gremio at Ypiranga by revealing a written message on his under-shirt which read: “Lucas, our heart is with you, we are together”.
Gremio’s players also wore shirts with Lucas’ name on the back, while head coach Renato Portaluppi adorned a t-shirt with the player’s name.
Ypiranga went on to win 2-1 in the first leg of theirCampeonato Gaucho semi-final through a 96th-minute penalty from Erick, with the second leg due to take place at Arena do Gremio on Saturday.
Luis Suarez made his Gremio debut by scoring a hat-trick in the first half to help his new team win the Recopa Gaucha.
Suarez, a striker from Uruguay, joined the Brazilian team this month after briefly helping his hometown team Nacional win the World Cup in his native country.
Goals were something the 35-year-old promised when he agreed to a two-year deal with Gremio, and his debut more than delivered on that.
Tuesday’s Recopa encounter between Sao Luiz and Uruguay was a one-off, and Suarez’s three goals sealed a 4-1 victory before halftime.
Suarez hadn’t scored a hat-trick in the first half since December 2013, when he did so for Liverpool against Norwich City.
“Luisito’s story couldn’t start better here,” read Gremio’s Twitter page after Suarez had volleyed in his third.
(1T/38min) É MATADOR DEMAIS!!! Não poderia começar melhor a história de Luisito por aqui. Um hat-trick para agradecer a recepção da torcida gremista! Sobrou pra ele, de prima, pela direita área, balançar as redes de novo! #Grêmio 4×1 São Luiz 🇪🇪 #GRExSLU#RecopaGaúcha2023
Cruz Azul of Liga MX is interested in signing Luis Suarez, and the president of the Mexican team has confirmed that talks with the Uruguayan international are ongoing.
The seasoned attacker is currently looking for a new squad to play for in 2023 and beyond after his contract with his childhood club Nacional terminated.
Suarez has spent the majority of his career in Europe, but his return to Uruguay, where he helped his new team win the league for the first time in over ten years, implies he may stay west of the Atlantic.
Cruz Azul president Victor Velazquez confirmed rumors that they are considering a move to bring him on board for the Clausura 2023 season, which will begin on January 6.
“I don’t have any news for you yet, but we’ve been in negotiations,” he told AS. “Our intention is to bring Luis Suarez to Cruz Azul.
“We just need to be patient and look for one or two other reinforcements on top of that.”
Suarezwould become one of the greatest names to enter Liga MX if he moved to Mexico; other veterans had traditionally preferred a move to MLS.
Suarez has won the La Liga five times in his career, four times with Barcelona and one time with Atletico Madrid. He has also won club awards with Ajax and Liverpool.
Although he didn’t score during Uruguay’s most recent World Cup campaign in Qatar 2022, he is their all-time leading goal scorer with 68 goals in 137 appearances. In 2011, he helped Uruguay win the Copa America.#
Midfielder Thomas Partey took time to meet Luis Suarez after the December 2, 2022 World Cup match between Ghana and Uruguay at the Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar.
Partey was on the losing side whiles Suarez captained the Uruguayan side to their first victory at the tournament having drawn with South Korea and lost to Portugal.
Partey was seen in a viral photo exchanging shirts with Suarez, the two are related by their association with Spanish club side Atletico Madrid.
Suarez joined in 2020 at the same time that the Ghanaian midfielder moved to England to join Arsenal.
The verdict on Twitter over the shirt swap was critique, with the word ‘traitor’ taking being prominent. Those angry at the move say Partey could have swapped the shirts away from public view.
But for others, it was no big deal for players to swap shirts once the game is over.
Ghana ended bottom of Group H with Portugal topping whiles South Korea finsihed second ahead of Uruguay on goal difference – both teams finished with four points apiece.
The Black Stars recorded three points from three games – losing to Portugal and Uruguay and beating South Korea. They scored five goals and conceded seven.
Coach Otto Addo has resigned his position in the post-match press conference.
The Black Stars of Ghana had one task going into their final Group H fixture at the 2022 World Cup.
Win at all costs, worse case draw against Uruguay and secure passage into the Round-of-16 stage of the competition.
The match was, however, settled with three major incidents in the first half. A penalty miss by Black Stars skipper Andre Dede Ayew, when the score was goalless.
Then Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s two goals for Uruguay which came in quick sucession, consigned the Black Stars to a second World Cup defeat against the South Americans who broke hearts of Africans in 2010.
Their 2 – 0 victory over the Black Stars was, however, not enough to get them through to the next round of the tournament as South Korea beat Portugal 2-1.
With Uruguay in dire need of a third goal to progress to the next round of the World Cup, Suarez was reduced to tears as efforts to score another goal proved futile.
Portugal and South Korea advanced from Group H as Uruguay and Ghana exited the tournament after finished 3rd and 4th respectively.
The sorrow that Uruguayan captain Luis Suarez felt when his team defeated the Ghana Black Stars at the World Cup but did not advance from their group was shared by football fans from all over the continent and the globe.
The Al Janoub Stadium in Doha was filled with images of the former Liverpool player sobbing as he contemplated leaving the competition. These images also trended on social media, particularly
From Nigerian journalists to Somali activists, a Kenyan lawyer and others across the continent and the world, it was justice done Ghana and the Black Stars for Suarez, the villain of 2010, to be weeping because of a lack of qualification.
It appears that most Africans were waiting for the Black Stars to beat Suarez and the Uruguayans but in the absence of that, the fact that Uruguay crashed out and that Suarez was captured sobbing seems to have placated most fans.
See some of the reactions below:
If Ghana need any consolation,it’s seeing Uruguayans heartbroken and Suarez in tears.
On TV, Asamoah Gyan has called it karma, in reference to 2010, he convenientlly takes himself out of the picture. #FIFAWorldCup
— Kanyomozi District (@PatriqKanyomozi) December 2, 2022
This twelve year #Suarez/#Ghana karma is actually one of the great #WorldCup stories.
It’s Shakespeare updated – tragedy, triumph, pain, revenge, irony, even comedy.
With one of the great little villains getting his comeuppance. Lovely stuff.
???? https://t.co/AUxPWkRRM0
— Lee Wellings (@LeeW_Sport) December 2, 2022
Karma is real, Suarez and Uruguay eliminated Ghana in 2010 and 12 years later Ghana made sure Suarez and Uruguay were sent home in the group stages
— ُ ???? (@Lil__Aziiz) December 2, 2022
I’m hearing of this Suarez guy for the first time today but I’ve decided I’m his biggest hater ????????
— Jason Okundaye (@jasebyjason) December 2, 2022
Match Report: Uruguay vs. Ghana
The Black Stars of Ghana had one task going into their final Group H fixture at the 2022 World Cup.
Win at all costs, worse case draw against Uruguay and secure passage into the Round-of-16 stage of the competition.
The match was, however, settled with three major incidents in the first half. A penalty miss by Black Stars skipper Andre Dede Ayew, when the score was goalless.
Then Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s two goals for Uruguay which came in quick sucession, consigned the Black Stars to a second World Cup defeat against the South Americans who broke hearts of Africans in 2010.
Their 2 – 0 victory over the Black Stars was, however, not enough to get them through to the next round of the tournament as South Korea beat Portugal 2-1.
With Uruguay in dire need of a third goal to progress to the next round of the World Cup, Suarez was reduced to tears as efforts to score another goal proved futile.
Portugal and South Korea advanced from Group H as Uruguay and Ghana exited the tournament after finished 3rd and 4th respectively.
Ghana will today play Uruguay in the ongoing 2022 World Cup tournament happening in Qatar.
At exactly 3pm GMT, Otto Addo’s side will ensure they do not break the hearts of Ghanaians by qualifying to the next stage, as well as beat Uruguay to atone for sins of the former team led by Asamoah Gyan.
The two teams have history. For Ghana, it is a bad memory as Luis Suarez, who at the eleventh hour, decided to become a goalkeeper, robbed Ghana of a semi-final slot in the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa.
Former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, failed to capitalize on the penalty awarded to Ghana.
On the other hand, coach Otto Addo says he is not in search of revenge.
In his interactions with the media, he has stated that their match against Uruguay is just ‘normal’ and is optimistic that Black Stars will progress from Group H.
“For me, it’s a normal game, but like everyone, I was really sad in 2010 when that incident [of Luis Suarez denying Ghana a certain goal] happened and we missed our chance to proceed to the semis. But it is 12 years ago and Friday will be a different match with a different approach,” Addo said as quoted by the Ghana FA website.
“We are confident enough to know that we can beat them and make it to the next round. We are gradually picking up and I know the boys will show a lot of fight and a lot of passion.
“I am sure our efforts will be rewarded and we will go to the next stage.”
On his part, Uruguay forward, Luis Suarez, says he owes Ghanaians no apology for the Black Stars’ quarter final exit at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“The first time, I don’t apologise about that,” he told the media at a press conference ahead of Uruguay’s final group game against Ghana at the 2022 World Cup.
“I take the handball – but the Ghana player missed a penalty, not me. Maybe I apologise if I injure a player but in this situation, I take a red card, the referee says penalty, it’s not my fault.”
In Group H, Ghana are second with three points following a 3-2 win over South Korea, while Portugal have already advanced with two wins over the Black Stars and Uruguay.
Uruguay drew with South Korea and are at the bottom of the group with a point, the same as the latter who have a superior goal difference.
Black Stars, who made their second appearance at the Mundial were on the verge of becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup before losing on penalties to Uruguay in 2010.
Ghana were awarded a penalty in the final seconds of extra time after Suarez used his hand to keep out Dominic Adiyiah’s goal-bound header but Asamoah Gyan missed from the spot.
Uruguay eventually won the game 4-2 on penalties to progress to the semi-final of the World Cup at the expense of Ghana.
It’s been 12 years since that game in South Africa, but Suarez continues to be vilified by Ghanaians and Africans for his actions.
The Uruguay striker, however, insists his red card was worth it, explaining in his autobiography ‘Crossing the Line’ that Gyan’s miss felt like a goal.
According to the veteran striker, he was devastated after being sent off but his reaction quickly transformed into ecstasy when Gyan missed, insisting it felt like Uruguay had scored.
“I walked off the pitch devastated. I was crying and the only thing going through my head at that point was, ‘We’re going out of the World Cup, we’re going out of the World Cup …’ I had been sent off and we were going home,” Suarez said in his autobiography.
Gyan was going to take the penalty and (…) I was convinced he wasn’t going to miss. We had no chance. And then I saw the ball go over the bar. He had missed. And one word came out of my mouth: ‘Gol!’ The feeling, the sense of release, was the same as if we had scored.
“Unbelievable. I’ll never forget it. That was when I realized what I’d done. That was when I realized the sending-off had been worth it. I had stopped a goal, they had missed the penalty and we were still alive.”
Ghana will be seeking revenge when they face Suarez and Uruguay again in their last group game of the Qatar 2022 World Cup on Friday at the Al Janoub Stadium with kick-off scheduled at 15;00GMT.
Veteran strikers Luis Suarezand Edinson Cavani will have their fourth consecutive World Cup, headlining Uruguay’s squad announcement on Thursday.
Cavani, 35, was considered in doubt due to a recurring ankle injury, which has seen him complete a full 90 minutes just once this LaLiga season for Valencia.
Following that 90-minute performance, he was withdrawn just 18 minutes into Valencia’s following game against Barcelona on October 29, and is yet to return.
Suarez, who is also 35, played in both September friendlies, contributing an assist in a 2-0 win against fellow World Cup qualifiers Canada to indicate he is still at the required level, despite playing his club football for Nacional in the Uruguayan First Division.
While the seasoned strike partnership will provide experience, Uruguay’s squad also has a strong mix of younger emerging talent, headlined by 24-year-old Real Madrid star Federico Valverde.
Cavani and Valverde lead an impressive group joining the squad from LaLiga, which includes centre-backs Ronald Araujo from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez.
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur and Manchester United’s Facundo Pellistri are the squad’s only Premier League representatives, while Napoli’s Mathias Olivera, Roma’s Matias Vina and Lazio’s Matias Vecino represent Serie A.
Uruguay begin their campaign on November 24 against South Korea, before facing Portugal on November 28 and wrapping up Group H against Ghana on December 2.
Uruguay is continuing with its camping ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup this week.
The Ghana opponent for the 2022 FIFA World Cup started early camping to train for the upcoming world cup last week.
While head coach Diego Alonso is yet to settle on his final 26-man squad, he has already assembled some home-based players in his 55-man squad submitted to FIFA to start early training.
Today, country hero Luis Suarez is part of the squad of players that has trained and is expected to be involved in various sessions this week.
“Luis Suárez, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, and Sergio Rochet joined the reserved training sessions,” part of a statement by Uruguay said on Monday, November 7.
Besides Ghana, Uruguay will also face Portugal and South Korea in Group H. The Uruguay squad is expected to travel to Abu Dhabi to continue with the camping this week.
Barcelona centre-back, Ronald Araujo, who was said to be a major doubt for the tournament due to an adductor longus avulsion injury in his right thigh, made the 55-man list, which was released on Friday.
Some key names like Luis Suarez, Edison Cavani, Darwin Nunez, and Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde were all named in the big squad.
Uruguay has now become the first team in Group H to release their provisional list.
Luis Suarez has rejoined his first club Nacional in Uruguay after playing for Liverpool and Barcelona striker.
He only made the move after his contract with Atletico Madrid expired, making him a free agent.
In a Twitter post, the 35-year-old revealed how excited he was to return to his home club and thanked his fans for the support.
“I am proud to wear my shirt again at Nacional,” Suarez wrote on social media. “Thank you all for the support. See you soon,” he added.
Approximately 20,000 Nacional fans wore Suarez masks at a recent game after their side was linked with the forward.
Nacional are yet to disclose the length of their deal with Suarez, however, they said “Happy to have you home.”
Suarez made his professional debut for Nacional at 18, in 2005, helping them win the Uruguayan league title by scoring 10 goals in 27 league matches.
He earned a move to Europe with Dutch side Groningen the following season and then signed for Ajax a year later.
A transfer to Liverpool followed in 2011 before he joined Barcelona, where he won four Spanish league titles and one Champions League trophy between 2014 and 2020.
He won La Liga again in his first season with Atletico, scoring 21 goals in 32 games.
Suarez is Uruguay’s all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 68 goals in 132 international matches.
Former Liverpool and Barcelona striker Luis Suarezsays he has “a preliminary agreement” to rejoin his first club Nacional in his native Uruguay.
The 35-year-old is a free agent after leaving Atletico Madrid when his contract expired this summer.
Suarez’s return to Nacional is expected to be until at least the start of the 2022 World Cup in November.
In a video on social media, he said details would be finalised and “we hope to reach the agreement we all desire”.
Approximately 20,000Â Nacional fans wore Suarez masks at a recent game after they were linked with the forward.
He made his professional debut for Nacional at 18, in 2005, helping them win the Uruguayan league title to earn a move to Europe with Groningen the following season.
Suarez joined Nacional’s youth team at 14 and left the club in 2006 aged 19
“First of all I would like to say thank you for the great affection shown to me and my family these last few days,” said Suarez.
He added that this had made it impossible “to reject the possibility of returning to play for Nacional and we have a preliminary agreement with the club”.
Barcelona set up a Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich after overcoming Napoli on a night of high VAR drama at the Nou Camp.
With the tie evenly poised at 1-1 after February’s first leg, Dries Mertens set the tone for an incident-packed first half, striking the post for the visitors after 90 seconds.
But it was five-time European champions Barcelona who made the breakthrough when Clement Lenglet headed in Ivan Rakitic’s corner after 10 minutes.
Lionel Messi doubled his side’s advantage in style as he wriggled past three defenders, before bending a shot between another two Napoli players and into the far side of David Ospina’s goal.
The Barcelona captain thought he had further added to his tally of 115 Champions League goals in 142 games just seven minutes later, but a lengthy video assistant referee review deemed he had handled the ball in controlling Frenkie de Jong’s pass.
Another VAR review then awarded Barcelona a penalty in first-half injury time after Kalidou Koulibaly felled Messi – and Luis Suarez stepped up to net his 25th Champions League goal.
“For me, the Uruguay game is a game I think we won,” John Paintsil says, looking back on one of the most dramatic matches in men’s World Cup history: the 2010 quarter-final between his Ghana side and Uruguay in Johannesburg.
The reality, though, is Ghana didn’t win. A handball by Luis Suarez stopped a certain goalbound shot deep into injury time, in one of the most controversial and memorable moments of that tournament. Suarez was sent off – but Ghana missed the resulting spot-kick and, ultimately, went out on penalties after extra time.
The pain for Paintsil and his team-mate Hans Sarpei still lingers, 10 years on. For many Ghanaians, Suarez is the perpetrator of one of the greatest crimes in the country’s sporting history.
“We were cheated,” Paintsil says.
“To clear the ball from the line with your hand – it’s supposed to be a goal.”
Paintsil says people still talk about the incident in Ghana.
“I can’t forgive him because it was not an accident.” Sarpei adds.
“He knows what he has done. We were crying and you see someone who has cheated us is celebrating. How can I forgive him? Never. Never ever.”
First African World Cup
On the 2 July 2010, Ghana had the footballing hopes of a whole continent on their shoulders.
South Africa was the host of Africa’s first World Cup but Bafana Bafana were unable to make it past the group stage despite a valiant effort.
The other African teams had all been eliminated at the same point, leaving just the Black Stars in the competition.
“On the way to the game against Uruguay, I think everybody knew we could beat them – I think the whole world was supporting us,” left-back Sarpei says.
“The way we play the game: we’re playing on the front, we’re attacking in front. We try to enjoy the game. When you see Ghana, it’s like you’re listening to music because the ball is flowing.”
Ghana took the lead on the stroke of half-time via a 40-yard thunderbolt from former Portsmouth and Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari.
But Diego Forlan equalised with an exquisite free-kick and the two teams proceeded to play out in an engrossing contest – undoubtedly one of the best games of the competition – with both teams spurning chances throughout the game.
But it’s the final few minutes of the match that will forever live in World Cup infamy.
Ghana won a free-kick on the edge of the box, which was whipped in by Paintsil. In an ensuing goalmouth scramble, Suarez legitimately cleared a shot off the line from captain Steven Appiah – before, seconds later, palming Dominic Adiyiah’s header away from goal.
“For me, I thought, ‘last man on the line, touch it with his hand, it’s supposed to be a goal’ – so I was already celebrating that we are through.” Pantsil recalls.
“Then I saw it was a penalty and I said, ‘What?’ I was shouting, ‘No, no, take the ball to the centre (circle), take the ball to the centre.’”
Suarez was sent off, leaving the field in tears, whilst the Ghanaian players began to celebrate.
“I think everybody from our side was thinking ‘yeah, we’re going to the semi-final’ because Asamoah Gyan had scored two penalty goals before and he made it look easy,” Sarpei says.
Gyan had been talismanic for Ghana in the tournament, leading the line and scoring the winner in the previous round against the United States – a game which had also gone to extra time.
“I was standing there and for me the ball was going into the net and we are going through to the next round.” Sarpei recalls.
“Then it hit the crossbar and my first thought was like, ‘is this real?’ Really? The ball is not into the net? What is happening? What is the problem?’
“And then it was difficult. At this moment, when he didn’t score and we had to go to the penalty shootout, the feeling was like, now it will be difficult to go to the next round.”
Suarez, who had stopped in the tunnel to watch the penalty, was pictured celebrating when Gyan missed – something that still rankles with Paintsil.
“After the penalty was missed you came out and then celebrated like you’re on top of the world by hurting people. At least be a professional, feel the pain. Just go to your dressing room and celebrate and then nobody will see it.”
Suarez was quoted in the press saying “the hand of God now belongs to me”, referencing Diego Maradona’s goal against England at the 1986 World Cup.
Ghana would go on to lose via a penalty shootout and with it went Africa’s golden opportunity to win a World Cup.
In the two tournaments since, no African team has come close to reaching the semi-final stage.
The match against Ghana is where Luis Suarez first gained international notoriety. Six months later, he would join Liverpool from Dutch giants Ajax.
Suarez took a gamble that helped his country get into its first semi-final since 1970, but they were beaten 3-2 by the Netherlands without him.
“One has to do what one has to do to make his country proud and that’s what he did to us,” says Paintsil – but asked if put in the same position as Suarez, whether he would handle the ball, he was adamant.
“There’s no African player that would have done that,” he argues.
“Africans are more athletic. Even when the ball is on the other line, I would have tried to kick the ball, kung-fu style.”
They say time heals old wounds. But 10 years on, the wound still appears to be open for Hans and John.
“It still pains. I’m still feeling it anytime I think about it,” says Pantsil.
“A lot of things would have changed in Ghanaian football, in our country and also in Africa. Maybe adding numbers to the next World Cup, the more an African team goes forward, the more we can add more countries to our package. For me I don’t know when I’m going to forget about this memory but now it’s part of me.”
Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has apologised to Patrice Evra for wearing t-shirts in support of Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan racially abused the Frenchman in 2011.
After a two-month investigation, Suarez was given an eight-game ban by the Football Association on 21 December.
A day later, Liverpool wore ‘Suarez 7’ t-shirts in the warm-up before their Premier League game against Wigan.
Carragher said the club “got it massively wrong”.
The former England defender was working in his role as pundit on Sky Sports on Monday alongside ex-Manchester United full-back Evra.
Carragher said: “There is no doubt we made a massive mistake, that was obvious. We got to the ground, had our lunch and then had a team meeting – I don’t know if it was the manager (Kenny Dalglish) or (coach) Steve Clarke – asking one of the players if he still still wearing the shirt and that is the first I had heard of it.
“I am not lying and saying I wasn’t part of it because as the club we got it wrong and I was vice-captain. I am not sure who was actually behind it. I don’t think it had anything to do with the manager Kenny, I think it was the players who were close to Luis in the dressing room who really wanted to support their mate.
“Maybe I have to look at myself now and say I did not have the courage as an individual to say ‘I am not wearing it’. I don’t think everyone within Liverpool Football Club thought what we was doing was right but I do think as a football club or you as a family, your first reaction is to support them even if you know that they are wrong and that is wrong.”
Evra added: “When I saw it I was like this is ridiculous. This is unbelievable. You put your own club in danger when you do those things. You always have to support your player because he is from your team but this was after the ban. If it was before and we were waiting for the sanctioned, I would understand.
“What message do you send to the world? Supporting someone being banned because he used some racist words.”
What happened between Suarez and Evra?
In November 2011, Suarez was charged by the Football Association with racially abusing Evra in a 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield one month earlier.
On 20 December, Suarez was banned for eight games following a six-day hearing, during which Suarez was accused of using “insulting words”, which included reference to the colour of Evra’s skin. The ban was suspended pending an appeal. One day later, Suarez started in a 0-0 draw against Wigan, a game in which he hand his team-mates wore T-shirts with Suarez’s name and picture on during the warm-up, in a display of support for the Uruguayan.
Liverpool backed the player in the dispute, saying: “We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone.
“No one else on the field of play – including Evra’s own Manchester United team-mates and all the match officials – heard the alleged conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop goalmouth.”
Suarez told media in Uruguay that he “called him [Evra] something his team-mates at Manchester call him”.
Evra made his claims immediately after the match and was quoted as telling French television station Canal Plus: “There are cameras, you can see [Suarez] say a certain word to me at least 10 times.”
The Football Association’s report into the incident, released at the end of December 2011, stated that, after being tackled by the Uruguayan, Evra asked Suarez why he had kicked him, to which the forward replied in Spanish: “Because you are black.”
When Evra challenged him to repeat the answer and said he would “punch him”, Suarez said: “I don’t speak to blacks.”
Suarez is said to have used the term “negro” seven times in around two minutes.
On 3 January 2012, Liverpool decided not to appeal against the verdict, but the club maintained Suarez was innocent.
