Uruguayan football legend Luis Suarez recently retired from international football, but speculation about his next career move continues. Fellow countryman and former footballer Gus Poyet, speaking in association with William Hill, shared his thoughts with GOAL on whether Suarez could extend his playing career in the United States.
Suarez’s Love for Football and Family
Poyet highlighted how important family and passion for football are to Suarez. “With Luis, we know how much he enjoys his football, how much he needs his family, how much he needs to be surrounded by people he wants to be with,” Poyet said. He recalled Suarez’s decision to join Messi in Brazil as being driven by personal reasons: “I knew the reason was ‘Ok, I’m going to be with Lionel Messi again, the families are going to be together and we’re going to be playing together’. Simple.”
No Signs of Slowing Down
Poyet also dismissed any concerns about Suarez’s physical condition, suggesting that the striker is still enjoying the game: “At the moment he is playing as well. It’s not like the kind of situation where you have too much pain or you are hurting yourself and forcing your body.” With Suarez playing naturally and without pain, Poyet sees no reason why the Uruguayan striker can’t continue his career for a few more years in the U.S.
Suarez and Messi Taking American Soccer to New Heights
Poyet compared the buzz around Suarez and Messi in America to the days of David Beckham’s arrival in Major League Soccer (MLS). “It’s nice because they are taking American soccer to a different level. It’s everywhere in the news, constantly,” Poyet remarked, acknowledging the impact the two players have had in raising the profile of American soccer.
Gus Poyet believes that as long as Suarez continues to enjoy his football and remains pain-free, there is a strong possibility he could extend his playing career in the United States. With Suarez and Messi making headlines, their influence is helping to elevate the visibility of soccer in America, much like Beckham did during his time in MLS.
Summary
Suarez’s love for football and family could drive his future decisions.
Poyet dismisses concerns about Suarez’s physical condition.
Suarez and Messi are raising the profile of American soccer, similar to David Beckham’s impact.