Not even the rain — biblical, unrelenting — could hide the tears.
The game was done, but Luis Suarez was not. For the best part of 15 minutes, he circled the pitch, clapping and sobbing, his team-mates reverential in the background. After a while, his wife and children ran on to smother him in hugs. In the stands, 50,000 more loved ones screamed his name.
A video played up on the big screen. It was a compilation of the moments that led to and explained this one: the passes, celebrations and goals that have made Suarez a Gremio icon, just 11 months after he arrived at the club.
Now, after one final match — and one last winning goal for the road — at the Arena Gremio, he was saying goodbye. Three days later, it was revealed he was set to sign a one-year deal with Inter Miami, where he will link up with Lionel Messi.
On Saturday, though, it was all about Gremio.
“I will carry this moment with me,” said Suarez, the emotion writ large on his face. “This is more than I ever expected.”
That sentiment will be shared by everyone connected to the club. Gremio were only promoted back to the Brazilian top flight a year ago but they are on the verge of qualifying for the 2024 Copa Libertadores, thanks largely to Suarez. He has contributed 27 goals and 17 assists this year (all…
