MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — Veteran striker Luis Suárez announced his retirement from Uruguay’s national team on Monday at the age of 37.
The former Liverpool and Barcelona forward, Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 142 matches, will play his last international game on Friday against Paraguay.
“It hurts to say it, but Friday will be my last match with my country’s national team,” a tearful Suárez said in a press conference at the Centenario Stadium. Uruguay hosts Paraguay in a World Cup qualifying match that day.
Suárez, who has played for Uruguay since 2007, said he believes it’s the right time to retire.
“I know that it is difficult for me to get to the next World Cup. Being retired by myself and not by injuries is very comforting,” he said.
Suárez was in Uruguay’s squad in four World Cups and five Copa America tournaments. He won the continental tournament 2011.
The striker plays at Inter Miami with his close friend Lionel Messi and plans to continue his career at club level. The two played together at Barcelona between 2014 and 2020. Suárez also played for Ajax, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, and Gremio.
Uruguay’s National Team Player Luis Suarez has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 37. The striker, who has been a key player for Uruguay for over a decade, made the announcement on social media, thanking fans for their support throughout his career.
Suarez made his debut for Uruguay in 2007 and went on to score 63 goals in 116 appearances for his country. He was a key player in Uruguay’s success at the 2010 World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals, and the 2011 Copa America, where they were crowned champions.
Throughout his career, Suarez has been known for his goal-scoring prowess, technical ability, and fiery temperament on the pitch. He has played for top clubs such as Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid, winning numerous titles and individual awards along the way.
Suarez’s retirement comes as no surprise, as he has been winding down his international career in recent years. He has cited family reasons and a desire to focus on club football as the main reasons for his decision to retire from the national team.
Despite his retirement from international football, Suarez will continue to play at the club level for Atletico Madrid. He has been in fine form for the Spanish club this season, scoring crucial goals and helping them to challenge for the La Liga title.
Uruguay will undoubtedly miss Suarez’s presence on the pitch, but they have a new generation of players coming through who will be looking to fill the void left by the legendary striker. Suarez’s legacy will live on in Uruguayan football, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to have ever worn the national team jersey.