Luis Suarez is braced for what he feels could be the greatest challenge of his career after joining Gremio.
Suarez was a free agent after leaving Nacional ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, at which he started two of Uruguay s three games as they suffered a surprise group-stage exit.
The former Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker penned a two-year contract with Gremio – who won promotion back to the Brazilian top flight after a one-season spell in Serie B last term – on New Year s Eve.
Asked whether joining Gremio represented his biggest challenge, Suarez told the club s media channels: It could be, but I can also compare it with my time at Atletico Madrid.
I won the league with Atletico when Real Madrid and Barcelona dominated football in Spain.
This one might be even more difficult, but I am convinced we have an incredible team and a coach that does things well and that has a great influence.
Quem mais ficou assim?
: | Grêmio FBPA
— Grêmio FBPA (@Gremio)
I always liked challenges. Coming to a club with so much history, a great club from Brazil, always gives you hope.
For a team to come from Serie B and want to fight with the best in Brazilian football is a very nice challenge, for Gremio to return to where it deserves to be, among the teams that go to the Copa Libertadores, to be fighting up there and creating a good team.
Suarez scored eight times in 14 appearances as Nacional won the Primera Division title last year, and though the 35-year-old admits he is no longer the player he once was, he is confident he can make a difference.
I am not the Luis Suarez of 2015, 2016 or 2013. I am not. I am not stupid, he said.
I am not going to run 50 metres, because I am not that player anymore.
But maybe with my movement 50 metres from goal, my team-mates can benefit, because it is a team game. What I am going to promise is compromise, comradery, attitude, hunger and goals.
