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Luis Suarez, the legendary Spanish footballer nicknamed “The Architect,” passed away at the age of 88 on Sunday. Suarez, the only male player born in Spain to have won the prestigious Ballon d’Or, enjoyed a remarkable career as both a player and a coach.
Born in La Coruna in 1935, Suarez began his football journey at Deportivo La Coruna before joining Barcelona in 1954. He played for Barcelona from 1954 to 1961, securing two La Liga titles and numerous other honors.
In 1960, he received the esteemed Ballon d’Or award, showcasing his elegant playing style, exceptional technique, superior ball control, and visionary approach to the game. Alongside the likes of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, Suarez is regarded as one of the greatest Spanish players in history.
In 1961, Suarez made a world-record transfer to Inter Milan for 250 million lire (£142,000) at the time. Under the guidance of coach Helenio Herrera, he quickly became one of the most revered midfielders in Serie A.
Suarez contributed to Inter Milan’s golden era, winning two European Cups, three Serie A titles, and various other trophies. He was highly esteemed by Italian fans and left an indelible mark on the club.
Suarez’s success extended to the international stage, representing Spain and playing a crucial role in their victory at the 1964 European Championships. He made a total of 32 appearances for the Spanish national team.
After retiring from playing in 1973 while at Sampdoria, Suarez embarked on a coaching career. He held coaching positions at Sampdoria, Genoa, Inter Milan, Como, and Cagliari. In 1988, he took charge of the Spanish national team and guided them to the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
Suarez’s impact on Spanish football cannot be overstated. Barcelona hailed him as one of the finest players in the history of Spanish football, highlighting his exceptional skills, technique, and elegance on the field.
He scored 112 goals in 216 appearances for Barcelona, contributing significantly to the club’s success. It’s worth noting that despite sharing the same name, Luis Suarez Miramontes was not related to the Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, who also played for Barcelona.
Luis Suarez Miramontes, also known as Luisito, will be remembered as a footballing legend who inspired generations with his unique and impeccable playing style.
His passing leaves a void in the footballing world, but his legacy will continue to shine through his remarkable contributions to the sport. The Royal Spanish Football Federation and football fans worldwide expressed their condolences to Suarez’s family and friends during this difficult time…