Veteran striker Luis Suarez is enjoying every moment of Uruguay’s ongoing Copa America journey in the United States despite his extremely limited involvement so far, Soccernet.football reports.
La Celeste have emerged as one of the favourites to win the tournament, having finished top of their group with three wins from three matches and are now set to square up against Brazil in the quarter-finals.
Unlike previous tournaments where he was a key player, 37-year-old Suarez has been limited to just two substitute appearances so far, with head coach Marcelo Bielsa choosing to rely on younger talents.
Despite playing only eight minutes in total, Suarez, who is La Celeste’s all-time top scorer with 68 goals, is determined to enjoy what is likely his final major tournament for his country.
“I’m enjoying every moment very much,” Suarez told AUF TV.
“It is something that at my age, as you get older, you enjoy it more and more whether you’re playing a lot or playing a little, because you know that the flame of football is dying out.
“I’m just one more [player in the squad], you’ve already seen it. Playing or not playing, I’m happy with the part I’m doing and trying to help as much as I can.”
Suarez’s time at Atletico Madrid saw head coach Diego Simeone refer to a crucial period in the 2020/2021 title race as entering the ‘Luis Suarez zone’.
However, with Uruguay, the Inter Miami forward is now relying on the young players to get the job done against Brazil.
“I hope [the zone] doesn’t appear in this Copa because that would mean that Uruguay is doing well and that it’s not necessary,” he added.
“If it’s needed, we’ll be there because we hope to write another chapter in the national team.
“This group gave a very big blow in the World Cup qualifiers by beating Brazil and Argentina. They earned that power on the pitch by showing that they can beat anyone.
“The time has come to prove it, and it’s a great test for us.”
The former Liverpool talisman has also been mentoring 25-year-old striker Darwin Nunez, who like him, signed with The Reds and has already scored twice in the tournament.
“I try to help as much as I can, I was in Darwin’s place, I was Darwin’s age,” Suarez said.
“El ‘Loco’ (Sebastian Abreu) was the first to support me and today, being in that place, you have to be a motivation for him.”
