Suárez joined local side Nacional's youth team at the age of 14.[25] At the age of 16, Suárez headbutted a referee following a red card.[26] One night he was caught drinking and partying, and his coach threatened Suárez would never play unless he started playing football more seriously.[25][27] In May 2005, at age 18, he made his first-team debut against Junior de Barranquilla in the Copa Libertadores.[25] He scored his first goal in September 2005[28] and helped Nacional win the 2005–06 Uruguayan league with 10 goals in 27 games.[29]Suárez was found by a group of scouts from the Dutch club Groningen when they were in Uruguay to watch another player.
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