"I only have grateful words for Luis Suarez"

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde arrived in Uruguay on Tuesday ‘excited’ and looking forward to another win against Paraguay in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

He told the press after landing at Carrasco International Airport, where he also spoke about the retirement of Luis Suarez and thanked him for the advice he gave to the younger players, as well as everything he gave to the Uruguayans.

"I don't want to read that Luis is retiring. We have to respect him, it's his decision. I want to thank him for all these years that he gave us, the youngsters, for his advice and his values, to the whole country, to football lovers and to the children who have always admired Uruguayan footballers. I only have grateful words and I hope he can retire in the best way", said Valverde to the media.

Valverde moved to the ‘Celeste’ complex later, where he arrived along with Greek Panathinaikos player Facundo Pellistri, to train under Marcelo Bielsa. Also arriving today were Brazilian Internacional goalkeeper Sergio Rochet and Colombian Junior goalkeeper Santiago Mele.