NewsDarwin Nunez on No.9 pride, Luis Suarez and Copa America aims

The Uruguayan claimed the squad number at the start of the 2023-24 season following the departure of Roberto Firmino.

Nunez wore No.27 in his first year as a Red after a transfer from Benfica but leapt at the opportunity to make the switch.

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As part of the Premier League's World Beaters feature, he said: "Today I get to be the No.9 at Liverpool and follow in the footsteps of the greats who have played here.

"I'm doing the best I can to bring joy to the club and fans."

But Nunez's biggest footballing inspiration growing up occupied the No.7 jersey during a thrilling three-and-a-half-season spell at Anfield.

"I always say my idol is Luis Suarez," he continued. "I liked watching [Edinson] Cavani play as well. They both played for big teams. They are top players, legends – but Luis Suarez is my role model."

Suarez is now a teammate of Nunez's in the Uruguay national team and the pair are currently competing at the 2024 Copa America.

Marcelo Bielsa's side got off to a winning start in the tournament earlier this week, with Nunez on the scoresheet in a 3-1 victory over Panama.

The forward vowed: "I'll try to give my best so that things turn out well for us and to bring joy to every Uruguayan."