Darwin Nunez’s gesture to Luis Suarez sums up his thoughts on Liverpool

Darwin Nunez has underlined his affection for Liverpool icon Luis Suarez by returning his iconic shirt number.

Both forwards have been named in Uruguay’s squad for the upcoming Copa America in the United States. Marcelo Bielsa has handed Suarez his first squad recall since November 2023.

Ahead of the tournament, Uruguay’s squad numbers have been announced. Suarez, now 37, was given the number nine shirt – a number he has traditionally worn when representing his nation.

Nunez inherited the number during Suarez’s absence but has now given it back. The pair were photographed in a photo shoot with their numbers.

Suarez made sure to cover ‘1’ of Nunez’s ’19’ in a show of mutual respect between the pair. The former explained the relationship between himself and Nunez, which is sure to help Liverpool and help the striker get his Anfield career back on track.

Nunez has struggled for consistency since his big-money move from Benfica, even going so far as to delete any mention of the Reds from his social media accounts. Suarez said: “He (Nunez), with the humility he has, a very good kid, said ‘no Luis, you’re the number 9, I’m going to respect you when you’re not there if I’m going to grab

“These are details that demonstrate the greatness and humility of a player who will be one of the best, if not (already) one of the best in the world today.”

Speaking further about the Liverpool frontman, Suarez backed Nunez to be a success for the national team, but warned that his own international career is not yet over.

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He added: “As well as wanting to help, I am coming to compete for the position because I want it; to play, win and reach the goal. When Darwin comes, he asks me things. At that time (he debuted) yes, I was the starter, Edi (Cavani) was the starter, but he always came, asked, wanted to learn things and that is spectacular.

“I have him in front of me, I see how he trains, how he plays every game, how can I not stop to applaud him and celebrate? Yes, obviously I had my time, I really enjoyed it and I continue to do it.”

It is not the first time that Suarez has offered some valuable advice for his compatriot. Nunez previously revealed he was one of the first to make contact after he was sent off for a headbutt on Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen in August 2022.

Speaking after the incident, Nunez said: “Off the pitch we have a very good relationship, I always follow him because Luis is an idol for me and he also advises me a lot. For example, when the head thing happened (against Crystal Palace), Luis was the first to write to me.

“‘Idiot, don’t do that, another idiot is talking to you and he’s done it a thousand times,'” he told me. With Luis, I created a very beautiful bond”.

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