Liverpool legend Luis Suarez has slammed former Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira over comments he made about the Uruguay national team.
Brazil international Pereira featured off the bench in his side’s defeat to Uruguay in the Copa America quarter-final, which took place on Saturday night in the United States.
The match went to a penalty shootout, with missed spot kicks from Eder Militao and Douglas Luiz meaning that Uruguay progressed.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who haven’t won the Copa America since 2011, were considered as outsiders heading into the contest but ultimately prevailed.
After the victory, Uruguay striker Suarez slammed Pereira, who now plays his club football at Fulham, over ‘disrespectful’ comments he made before the match.
As per Goal, the Brazil midfielder claimed that his side were favourites as they possessed superior players to their opponents.
But Inter Miami star Suarez, who is part of the Uruguay squad but was an unused substitute against Selecao, took issue with Pereira’s comments post-match and aimed a dig at the former Manchester United midfielder.
He said: “We have the best midfielders in the world, top-level players.
“To talk about Uruguay, you have to have a little more respect, and know the history of Uruguay.
“Before I say which players want to be on the Brazilian national team, I have to say that the person who made that comment was [Uruguay star Giorgian] De Arrascaeta’s reserve [at Flamengo], who is the best player in Brazilian football.
“Imagine what it’s like for us to hear that.”
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Pereira later clarified his comments, and claimed that he ‘did not show any disrespect’ to Uruguay.
Alongside De Arrascaeta, Uruguay boss Bielsa can also call upon Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, PSG’s Manuel Ugarte and Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo.
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez leads the line, while Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur is another option in midfield alongside current Manchester United player Facundo Pellistri.
Uruguay take on Colombia in their last four tie, with the winner taking on the victor of the match between Argentina and surprise semi-finalists Canada, who are coached by the former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch.
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