Montevideo (Uruguay), June 27: Uruguayan President Jose Mujica and around 1,000 fans gathered here at Montevideo's airport to welcome back banned striker Luis Suarez from the FIFA World Cup 2014 today.

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Suarez was handed a nine-match ban and suspended for four months from all football-related activity for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during their Group stage World Cup game on June 24 (Tuesday).

The Liverpool forward, who has left Brazil to reach home, was to receive a hero's welcome despite the ban.

Gran recibimiento a Luis Suarez en el aeropuerto de Montevideo: #ElNotwitciero pic.twitter.com/sow7P0rQ4g

— Juez Central (@Juezcentral) June 27, 2014

According to media reports, fans gathered at the airport to receive the star striker. However, the President of the country and the fans were left disappointed as it was announced his flight was delayed. He is expected to land in few hours from now.

After the ban, President Mujica had supported Suarez saying he is a "great player" and was not chosen to "have good manners".

"We didn't choose him to be a philosopher, or a mechanic, or to have good manners - he's a great player," Mujica was quoted as saying.

"I didn't see him bite anyone. But they sure can bash each other with kicks and chops," he added.

Uruguay will face Colombia in their Round of 16 match on June 28.

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