Luis Suarez says Gremio have agreed to terminate his contract a year early as he feels he cannot meet the standards of the Brazil top flight.

Suarez will now be a free agent this December, but he admitted there was doubt whether he would continue playing because of an ongoing knee problem. The forward’s deal had been set to expire in 2024.

Inter Miami’s ownership has publicly courted the 36-year-old this summer, and although confirming their interest, Suarez claimed he has had no contact with the club.

“I feel that next year I will not be able to perform due to my fitness and the high demands of the Brazilian championship, which is why the club and I have spoken about ending my contract (with Gremio) a year early,” he said. “That would in December. The club agreed and I’m grateful to them.

“I don’t know if I’ll continue to play somewhere else because I have a chronic issue with my knee that you all know about.

“I’d ask Gremio supporters to value the fact that they have a 37-year-old player who always plays despite having a lot of pain in his knee. That’s all I ask.

“I’m well aware that Inter Miami spoke with Gremio and that the club told them that I have a contract. I can say that (Inter Miami) has not spoken to me.”