Bruno Fornaroli’s Socceroos selection sent shockwaves not only through Australia but world football.
The Uruguayan-turned-Australian Perth Glory striker is in Graham Arnold’s squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Fornaroli’s inclusion caused a stir having previously been unable to don the green and gold before a change in FIFA rules in 2020 paved the way for the 34-year-old to join the Socceroos.
An ex-Under-17 international for Uruguay alongside Luis Suarez at the 2003 South American U17 Championships, Fornaroli received well-wishes from far and wide, most notably from a star former team-mate.
Suarez and Fornaroli spent “five or six years” together as team-mates at Uruguayan giants Nacional in their youth and the latter – now playing for LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid – was quick to react to the news.
Uruguay’s all-time leading goalscorer, Suarez tweeted: “Very happy for you brother and I hope with all my heart that you get to reach the World Cup with Australia.
“Lots of love and all the best.”
“Thank you brother. Hope we see each other (at the World Cup) in November. Let’s give it all we’ve got in the two that remain. Love you a lot,” Fornaroli said in reply to Suarez.
Funnily enough, Australia and old foes Uruguay could square off for a place at Qatar 2022.
The third-placed Socceroos occupy the play-off spot in the AFC section, three points behind Japan and four adrift of Saudi Arabia, who are both on track to secure automatic qualification.
Suarez’s Uruguay are fourth in CONMEBOL qualifying, a point above fifth-placed Peru.
If Uruguay were to finish fifth in South America and Australia ended Group B in third spot, the Socceroos would be in line to renew their rivalry with La Celeste if they got past the United Arab Emirates in the AFC play-off.
So, a reunion between Suarez and Fornaroli could be on the cards.
Fornaroli burst onto the senior scene with Nacional in 2006 before leaving for Serie A side Sampdoria two years later, while Suarez departed for Dutch club Groningen in 2006.
On his time with Suarez at Nacional, Fornaroli previously told Fox Sports’ Shootout in 2016: “Once I turned thirteen I had to head to Montevideo to live.
“The first time I took the bus to go to Montevideo I got on and sat down by myself and some kid [Luis Suarez] sat down right in front of me.
“He asked me if I was going to Montevideo to play football and that seemed a bit weird to me because at that age I did not look like a footballer at all.
“And I told him yes and he said he knew me because we were going to be team-mates.
“From there we became friends and played a good five of six years together.”
