An unforgettable image has emerged this week and is taking the Internet by storm: sitting next to Lionel Messi are Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
But no, this is not the Barcelona of 2014. This time it was the new Inter Miami group. In Major League Soccer, the quartet is officially back together.
On Saturday, Inter Miami formally began preseason training. The 38-year-old Uruguayan was there to wear the club’s colors for the first time since he joined three of his former colleagues after signing a one-year deal this summer.
This is Suárez’s 19th professional season; he just won league MVP and best forward with Gremio in Brazil. However, in a few weeks he will approach his 37th birthday, he is dealing with knee problems and he is celebrating his career milestone.
“Coming to help a team that has well-known players that everyone knows and [adjust] to the other players and what a new club is and doing what the club wants, which is to try to win an MLS Cup and do it with professionalism, is what they want from me,” Suárez said.
“The best advice that can be given to players is to dream and dream big. Dreaming that we want to win… why not dream of winning all four titles? It depends on us. We can talk about it, but we have to demonstrate it on the field with work, commitment, sacrifice.”
What did Suárez say about Messi?
Messi and Suárez were Barcelona teammates for six years, during which time they won nine major trophies, as well as four Spanish leagues. They were also lucky enough to lift a Champions League title together.
“I didn’t imagine that we would get back together because I thought Leo would finish his career at Barça. In 2019 we imagined winning everything in Barcelona and we dreamed of retiring there. First I left and then everyone left after me,” Marca quotes.
“My children are friends with Leo’s children and that is important for them to feel happy and comfortable at school. Also, my wife is friends with Leo’s wife and that support is very important to us as we adapt to the city and daily life here.
“My children had to leave all their friends in Brazil in the middle of the school year, which is difficult and sad for them. We footballers have to face difficult times when moving our families and it helps a lot to have friends here.”
What did Suárez say about other former Barcelona teammates?
Personal reasons were a major consideration for Suarez when he signed with Inter Miami. Messi, Alba and Busquets had nothing but praise for the city and the team.
“Everyone has their life and their family, they spoke to me very well, they are very happy. Some find it more difficult, others less. Sergio was leaving for the first time and the change can be a little difficult, but today he told me that the children are fine, that is important.
“Jordi too, after so many years in Barcelona, a big change, three children, is difficult. Leo was more used to it and I am even more used to it than them because of the changes I have made. “I can give them more advice about outdoor living than they can give me.”
Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire IMAGO / Ricardo Larreina Amador.
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