Atletico Madrid’s star striker Luis Suarez bid a teary-eyed farewell in front of the home crowd after a 1-1 draw against Sevilla on Sunday. However, with this draw Sevilla confirmed their place in La Liga’s top four due to a late equaliser by Youssef En-Nesyri at the Wanda Metropolitano and secured qualification for the Champions League. However, Suarez is set to leave Atletico when his two-year contract expires this summer.
After being forced out from cash-strapped Barcelona in 2020, Suarez’s 21 league goals powered Atletico to the league title in 2021/22, but his dip in form this season has persuaded the board not to offer him an extension. Simeone substituted Suarez off to widespread applause at 65th minute in Madrid, and the fans showed him genuine gratitude at full time. Suarez has often been benched this season, with Joao Felix being the preferred option by coach Diego Simeone.
“The love they gave me since I arrived has been amazing, and I will not forget it. I tried to return it on the pitch; I gave myself 200 per cent to a club that opened its door to me,” Suarez said. He added further, saying that he will always carry the love and affection with him.
The 35-year-old is expected to decide on his future in the coming weeks, and reportedly, he could return to Uruguay this summer. The departure of Atletico’s one of the most dynamic strikers invoked footballer fans to express their admiration for the player as tributes started pouring in from all walks of life on Twitter.
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#GraciasSuárez pic.twitter.com/HqP0wwiIFD
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) May 15, 2022
As vezes no silêncio da noite… 🎶
… Eu fico imaginando Luiz Suarez no ataque do Palmeiras 🎶 pic.twitter.com/ajQBpiTTrv
— 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗳 ⓟ (@hallefoficial) May 15, 2022
"Thank you lucho for making us champions"
Luiz Suarez bids farewell as Athletico Madrid seal champions league spot . #YWNA #LaLigaSantander @athleticomadrid @brfootball @btsport @Football__Tweet pic.twitter.com/lC1LU3U2vq— LiveEcho (@Abdulmu15299863) May 15, 2022
Dursun Özbek başkan olması halinde taraftara hediye olarak Luiz Suarez’i getirecek. pic.twitter.com/2ucs7HDPNv
— Sokachu (@Sokachu36) May 15, 2022
As a Madrid fan, I also loved Luiz Suarez.
— Milano (@DukeOfNsukka) April 7, 2022
♚ Luis Suarez won almost everything with Barcelona and was told on the phone he'll no longer be a Barcelona player
♚ He just received a standing ovation from Atletico Madrid fans with a banner that says "Thank you Lucho for making us champion "
— Trig (@Kharlerh) May 15, 2022
Image: Luis Suárez crying after being substituted in his last match at the Wanda Metropolitano as an Atlético Madrid player. pic.twitter.com/nNCJX0FtUg
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) May 15, 2022
Luis Suarez crying because it’s his last game at the Wanda 🥺❤️ he made such an impact since he joined as a shock transfer, top scorer, embraced the club & his favourite game was one of ours. I’ll never agree as a person but as a player you can’t ask for any more. #GraciasLuis ❤️
— Kendall Rowan (@kendallrowanx) May 15, 2022
Atlético Madrid fans give Luis #Suárez a standing ovation after being substituted.
Suárez leaves the pitch crying.
The fans in the stands with a banner: 'Thank you Lucho for making us champions'. pic.twitter.com/PS74D90Dim
— FC Barcelona Fans Nation (@fcbfn_live) May 15, 2022
Speaking of Sunday’s match, Jose Gimenez’s header in the first half looked set to give Atletico a possible win in the game, but En-Nesyri’s successful net converting Oliver Torre’s cross with five minutes remaining secured Sevilla’s top-four spot in La Liga table after disappointing few weeks. Atletico sits a point ahead of Sevilla and have a tough trip away at Real Sociedad to finish the season next weekend. Sevilla will play at home to Atheltic Bilbao.
