Former Liverpool star Luis Suarez has returned to his first club Nacional back in Uruguay and was unveiled in sensational fashion over the weekend.
A packed-out stadium welcomed the new signing and his family and a video shared on social media included messages from the likes of Lionel Messi. Suarez's ex-Barcelona teammate also lent him his £12m private jet to take him to Uruguay for the unveiling.
"I want to send you a big hug and wish you all the best in this new stage of your career," Messi said. "I know how important it is for you to be there at Nacional, back at home and in your country after so long, to prepare for the World Cup which is just around the corner.
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"Now I’m going to have to follow Nacional from here. You know I love you a lot and would do anything for you. I wish you all the best and hope to see you soon."
Suarez joins Nacional on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Atletico Madrid. The 35-year-old started his professional career with the Uruguayan side in their academy and only made four first-team appearances before he was snapped up by a European club.
Messi and Suarez played together for six years at the Camp Nou before the latter joined La Liga rivals Atletico on a free transfer. Messi himself moved on from Barcelona last summer and joined Paris Saint-Germain, also on a free transfer.
The former Liverpool striker has come full circle with the move and, despite being linked with a number of clubs this summer including reports linking him with reuniting with Reds legend Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa. It was reportedly his preference to remain in Europe but the Uruguayan revealed it was 'impossible' to reject the offer to return to his homeland with his former club.
"It has been very exciting, all the videos and messages that have reached us and touched our hearts about this situation. It was impossible to reject this possibility of playing again with Nacional," Suarez said in a video message when the signing was announced.
"I hope to enjoy this new stage and see you in the coming days. I send a big hug to all of you and thank you for all the love you have given us. See you soon."
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