Barcelona and Uruguay forward Luis Suarez wiped tears from his face as Nacional, his boyhood club in Uruguay, unveiled a training pitch in his name.
Suarez began his career at Nacional was very emotional at the opening of the opening ceremony of Luis Alberto Suarez pitch at Nacional de Uruguay’s Los Cespedes complex.
“The feeling is of emotion and joy,” he said.“For a long time I couldn’t come, everyone will understand that because of a calendar issue which isdifficult to compromise.
“I wanted my children to see where I came from, where I was born as a footballer.”
The 30-year-old Suarez joined Nacional as a teenager, making a few dozen appearances for the senior team before being poached by Eredivisie side Groningen.
He then went on to play for Ajax, Liverpool and current club Barcelona as well as earning 91 caps for his country.Nacional is the most successful club in Uruguay, having won 46 domestic titles and three Copa Libertadores.
The club produced several members of Uruguay's World Cup-winning squads in 1930 and 1950, but Suarez is one of the most storied players in their recent history. The Barcelona and Uruguay international had some words of advice for the youngsters coming through the ranks now.
“Although they are going to go through very difficult moments at 13 years, 14, 15, 18… in fact at any age…the boys must enjoy themselves,” Suarez claimed.
“And never give up.
“Because of each one’s own pride, they can not give up.
“I say it because I’ve been through a lot and here in Nacional I’ve always been treated spectacularly.”
“I am privileged to have a pitch in my name and I am totally grateful to Nacional.”
