RAC1 reports that Barcelona are planning to arrange a small tribute for their former striker Luis Suarez on Saturday, when El Pistolero and his Atletico Madrid teammates travel to the Camp Nou for their much-anticipated crunch encounter against the Catalans in a fierce tussle for the La Liga title.
The colorful and gifted Uruguayan, who has enjoyed an incredible season with Los Colchoneros, will return to his former home after having been forced to exit the club with a dismal whimper at the hands of an unappreciative, mismanaged board under previous president Josep Maria Bartomeu. It was an ugly, undeserved exit for the striker who had served to bring glory to Barca as part of the fearsome Messi-Suarez-Neymar triumvirate or MSN, to drive fear into even their toughest rivals.
Bartomeu and his cronies cast out the striker unceremoniously after a dreadful end to the 2019-20 season that brought to light all the issues plaguing the club from within, and the entire saga fuelled much controversy and debate, and rightfully too since Luis Suarez is without doubt a club legend, no less – something that Messi himself paid tribute to.
Suarez’s time with Barcelona was largely a glowing testimony of his contributions to the club, and he even became the club’s third-highest goalscorer of all time. Even Messi burst out in full public support of his former strike partner, denouncing the shameful manner in which Suarez had been treated and cast out by the Bartomeu regime after the latter’s departure was announced.
Under new president Joan Laporta, Barcelona are now making some small amends at least and will look to pay a small homage to the 34-year old prolific goalscorer. A wonderful gesture that will be welcomed by all the fans and a small gesture in making up to Suarez for the scandalous dishonor he was shown. The striker undoubtedly deserves a fitting new era welcome tribute after all that he has given to the Blaugrana.
The clash between Barcelona and Atleti will no doubt be an incredibly tense battle that will go a long way in determining the outcome one of the most hotly-contested title races in recent La Liga history. Not least is the excitement of the anticipated performances of both Messi and Suarez, now on opposite sides on the same pitch. What a match to live for!
And regardless of the tribute to him, Luis Suarez will be highly motivated to give it his all on the pitch at his former home, as he always does without fear or favor.
Welcome home, Suarez.