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Luis Suárez has opened up about his decision to sign a contract extension with Inter Miami, revealing his “burning desire” to compete remains as strong as ever despite being 39 years old.
The Uruguayan legend, who remains a focal point of the Herons’ attack alongside Lionel Messi, also addressed the tactical changes that saw him briefly lose his starting place under former coach Javier Mascherano.
Accepts a reduced role under Mascherano
The veteran forward faced an unfamiliar situation during the 2025 MLS playoffs when he was demoted to the bench by Mascherano.
Following a suspension in the first round against Nashville SC, Suárez found himself watching from the sidelines, a period which the striker admits was a test of his patience and professionalism.
“Obviously, at that time Mascherano spoke to me about it and explained the situation. I understood it and accepted it without any problems,” Suárez told reporters on Wednesday.
“Obviously, when you start getting fewer and fewer minutes on the pitch, you inevitably ask yourself why? What’s the reason? Especially since the minutes I played weren’t exactly bad performances.
“But hey, those are decisions you just have to accept. My job was to keep working hard day in and day out and try to prove that I deserved a bit more playing time.”
Finding inner peace through the struggle
Despite the frustration of playing a supporting role, the former Barcelona and Liverpool star believes the experience helped him grow emotionally at this late stage of his career.
Suárez entered the 2026 campaign as a substitute before eventually reclaiming his place in the XI under interim manager Guillermo Hoyos, who has already contributed
“Like any player’s career, not just mine, it goes through ups and downs. There are times when you feel good and times when you feel out,” explained Suarez.
“There was the suspension, followed by the period without playing, that whole experience actually calmed me down in a sense, I never went out and talked. Then, of course, when you come back to play, you start to feel like yourself again, you feel happy and involved, which is what you always want, and you regain your confidence.
“But those are the ups and downs that every player goes through and I’ve certainly experienced plenty of them throughout my career.”
The motivation behind the extension in 2026
Suárez officially committed his future to the South Florida club by signing a one-year extension in December.
While many expected the iconic striker to end his career, his performances alongside Messi have proven that his instincts in front of goal remain world-class, fueled by a competitive fire that refuses to be extinguished.
“The decision comes from the realization that you still have a little bit left in the tank, that the desire to keep competing is still there,” Suarez said of his new deal.
“And well, you can see it on the pitch – I still get frustrated with defeats and misplaced passes, and you still enjoy the moments when you manage to score. I still have that adrenaline, the burning desire to keep playing.”
The relationship with fellow striker German Berterame
Suarez has dismissed rumors of friction following German Berterame’s arrival, opting instead to embrace a mentoring role under interim boss Hoyos.
“My goal is simply to help anyone who joins the team,” remarked Suarez, praising Berterame’s physical attributes and emphasizing their great relationship.
The veteran forward insisted that no matter how many new forwards arrive, he remains committed to supporting his teammates and helping them grow.
