Luis Suarez has revealed he and Neymar have a friendly wager riding on their countries’ 2018 World Cup qualifier on Friday.
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The match will be Suarez’s first for Uruguay since being banned for his bite on Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, though he’s not letting that fact overshadow his comeback.
Suarez also received a fine and a four-month ban from any football-related activity, which delayed his debut for the Nou Camp club.
“I will continue with the same attitude, and arguing, because that’s the way I play”, the Barcelona forward said.
Suarez has been in superb form for Barcelona this season, scoring 43 goals from 42 matches across all competitions.
Neymar’s Brazil host Uruguay-who they trail by two points in CONMEBOL qualifying-on Friday, and the victor will receive a free meal when the pair return to Spain from global duty.
“I hope that will be an open match”, he said. I have to be more intelligent in many things.
However, while Uruguay have been able to welcome back their all-time leading goalscorer, Oscar Washington Tabarez will be without key defensive players Diego Godin and Jose Maria Gimenez (both thigh), while Maxi Pereira is suspended.
So when I scored against England I dedicated the goal to him.
“I have to do things better and enjoy my return to the national team and the people’s kindness”, Suarez added.
Coach Tabarez feels his striker must concentrate on his football and nothing else. “I recognize the importance of the player, the symbol he is for this country”.
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“He is going to play against teams who recognise the potential he has and who are going to do everything they can to stop him, so he has to be very fresh, more than mature”.
