Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez enjoyed a night to remember for Uruguay as he struck a fine hattrick in their 4-0 friendly victory over Mexico on Wednesday.
Nunez was on target within the first seven minutes in Colorado, slotting home from close range after his initial effort had been saved. After Facundo Pellistri doubled their advantage, Nunez netted two more either side of half-time to record a comfortable win for his nation.
Nunez has been in sensational form for Uruguay of late, netting eight goals in his last five international appearances. Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has won seven and drawn three of his 12 matches in charge and Uruguay are in a good run of form going into their Copa America opener on June 24.
Despite this, rumours continue to circle surrounding Nunez’s club future after he ended the 2023/24 season without a goal in his final eight Premier League appearances, and just one in his last 11. Before the campaign had finished he deleted all traces of Liverpool from his social media profiles, sparking theories around a summer exit.
He was not seen clapping Jurgen Klopp during his emotional guard of honour following his final game in charge of Liverpool against Wolves. The issue has since been addressed but Nunez’s underwhelming second season in England remains a cause for concern for some, despite still scoring 18 goals in all competitions.
Here, the ECHO takes a look at what Nunez has said during his two years with Liverpool so far.
May 26, 2024
“We were all a little shocked by Klopp’s departure, no one expected it,” Nunez told Uruguay news outlet, El Pais. “It is a shame that he is leaving.
“I personally would like him to leave in a big way, winning things, and it didn’t happen that way. It’s also a shame for the players. I wish him the best in the world.”
May 22, 2024
“From the moment you start playing and until you retire, there will always be someone who will criticise you,” he told Por la Jersey (Channel 10 of Uruguay), quoted by ESPN. “I avoid reading those comments.
“Before, I did look at them a lot and it affected me. Whoever says that those negative comments do not affect them is lying, those negative comments that are directed towards you will always affect you.
“I never look at the negative comments on social media, at least now I’m not looking at anything, not even the good stuff. If a game goes badly for me, I rely on my family.
