Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez confirmed on Friday he is in talks with Inter Miami over extending his contract.
The Uruguayan striker, who signed with the Major League Soccer (MLS) club on a one-year contract through the 2024 season, said his lawyers are currently engaged in conversations with the team.
“I know that my lawyer has been speaking with the club,” Suarez said in Spanish. “But I have a clear mind about finishing the season, which is what I wanted, to finish the season in the best manner possible, demonstrating to the club, when someone has the desire, they’ll feel good physically, and, of course, with the hope of continuing to be a part of this club’s history.”
When pressed by a reporter if he’d play another year, Suarez said: “It depends on the club. If it were up to me, I’d be delighted.”
The 37-year-old has played a big role in Inter Miami’s breakout campaign this year, helping lead the team to its first Supporters’ Shield. Despite early concerns about his fitness and recurring injuries, Suarez went on to record 18 goals and seven assists in 26 matches played.
He sits fourth in this year’s Golden Boot race, trailing behind the top spot by just five goals. Suarez was also recently nominated for the MLS MVP award, alongside his Inter Miami teammate Lionel Messi.
The team remains on track to break the MLS record for most points in a single season, depending on the outcome of their Saturday match with New England Revolution at Chase Stadium.
In September, Suarez announced his retirement from international football, leaving the Uruguayan national team as its all-time top scorer with 169 goals in 142 appearances.
The striker later criticised his national team’s culture under Marcelo Bielsa during this summer’s Copa America. The team finished the tournament in third place.
“There were situations that occurred at the Copa America that hurt to see, that I didn’t talk about for the good of the group,” Suarez said. “It’s going to continue to happen. The players are going to reach a limit and explode.”
(Hector Vivas/Getty Images)