Suarez wants to stay at Inter Miami another year, is in contract talks for extension

Luis Suarez has proven he is still a lethal weapon for Inter Miami at age 37, aching knees and all, and “El Pistolero” (The Gunslinger) said Friday morning that he would love to return for another season and that his representative is in talks with the club about extending his contract, which expires in December.

“My lawyer is talking to the club, but I am feeling calm, focusing on ending the season in the best possible way, which is what I wanted and to show the club that I have the motivation, that I feel good physically and with the desire to continue being part of the history of this club,” he said.

Asked if he wants to play another year with Miami, he smiled and replied: “It depends on the club. If it were up to me, I’d be delighted to come back.”

Coach Tata Martino said the team would agree to an extension if it can be worked out.

“Of course, all the high-caliber players like Luis that we can have and put together makes the team that much better,” he said. “So surely, if the possibility is given that will happen.”

He has 18 goals and seven assists in 26 matches, is in third place in the Golden Boot race and is a finalist for MLS MVP. He is a big reason Miami won the Supporters’ Shield for best league record and that the team is the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, which kick off Oct. 25.

Miami also has a chance to break the MLS points record with a win at home Saturday in the regular season finale against the New England Revolution (6 p.m., Apple TV).

“I feel very good, very happy that I can help the team in many aspects, not only in goals and assists, but also defensively,” he said. “It’s important to feel useful at this veteran age to finish the year the best way possible.”

He added that he enjoys watching his sons playing in the club’s youth academy and that it has been a joy being reunited with Lionel Messi, his former teammate at FC Barcelona.

“We have to enjoy having the best player in the world with us, not just for me, but for all the teammates who share the day to day with him,” he said. “We are privileged, those of us who get to play alongside him, and also the fans who get to see him at home and on the road…It has also been fun spending with our families in our free time, being with our children.

“We want to keep winning and showing people that age doesn’t matter, what matters is your desire.”

Suarez recently retired from the Uruguayan national team as the top scorer in that nation’s history. He made headlines last week with his harsh criticism of Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa. But he said he remains a diehard fan of the team and is following his former teammates in the World Cup qualifying matches.

“I am a fan of my country, and obviously, with a strange feeling of not having that adrenaline of being called up to the team, but I know that I gave my all every single day and now I’m just another fan,” he said.