In a poignant announcement, Uruguay’s legendary striker Luis Suarez declared his retirement from international football, set to take effect after the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Paraguay this Friday. The 37-year-old shared his decision during a press conference on Monday, marking the end of an illustrious 16-year journey with the national team.
“There is no better pride in oneself than knowing when the right moment to retire is,” Suarez expressed. “I am confident that I am retiring from the national team because I want to take a step aside. I am 37 years old and I know that it is very difficult to get to the next World Cup.”
Suarez’s international debut came in 2007, and since then, he has become Uruguay’s all-time top scorer with an impressive 69 goals and 39 assists in 142 appearances. His tenure with La Celeste includes participation in four FIFA World Cups, notably reaching the semifinals in the 2010 tournament held in South Africa.
Beyond the World Cup, Suarez has been instrumental in Uruguay’s Copa America campaigns. His contributions were pivotal in the team’s 2011 triumph, where they clinched the title after defeating Paraguay in the final. “I was lucky to win many titles in my career, but I would not change the Copa America title for anything in the world,” he reflected. “That trophy in 2011 was the most beautiful moment I experienced in my career as a professional player.”
At the club level, Suarez’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. His stints with European giants like Liverpool, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid saw him secure five La Liga championships and a UEFA Champions League title among numerous accolades. Currently, he plays for Inter Miami in North America’s Major League Soccer, continuing to showcase his talent on the club stage.
Reflecting on his decision, Suarez shared, “It is difficult because the decision was not easy. But I go with the peace of mind that until the last game I gave my all, and that the flame did not burn out slowly. That is why I made the decision that it should be now.”
As Suarez prepares to don the Uruguay jersey one final time, football fans around the world are readying to bid farewell to one of the sport’s most prolific forwards, whose passion and prowess have left an indelible mark on international football.
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Uruguay's star Suarez to retire from international duty after Friday
cgtn.com
