Luis Suarez retires from international football: Details here
Uruguay's star striker, Luis Suarez, has announced his retirement from international football. The 37-year-old player made this announcement on Monday, marking the end of a remarkable 17-year career with his national team. Suarez is recognized as Uruguay's top scorer with an impressive record of 69 goals. He has represented his country in 142 matches since making his international debut in 2007.
Suarez's final match and reflections on retirement
Suarez confirmed that his last match representing Uruguay will be on Friday. He expressed relief at retiring on his own terms, rather than due to injuries or being overlooked for selection. "It's difficult but it gives me peace of mind that until the last game, I have given my all, and that flame has not been extinguished little by little," Suarez stated during a press conference.
Suarez's significant contributions to Uruguay's football history
Suarez played a crucial role in leading Uruguay to the semifinals of the 2010 World Cup and securing victory at the Copa America in 2011. His last-minute goal against Canada ensured a third-place finish for his team at this year's Copa America. Reflecting on these achievements, Suarez stated, "My dream was for my children to see me win something important with the national team...that last goal was very nice for them."
Suarez's farewell and future plans
Suarez expressed his desire to retire in front of his home crowd at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo, where Uruguay will face Paraguay on Friday. This match is part of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. "I want my children to live this experience. Saying goodbye to the people here is something that I don't know if many have done," he added.
Suarez's club career and future prospects
Beyond his international retirement, Suarez has also revealed that his current club, Inter Miami, will be his last. He joined the Major League Soccer side last year to reunite with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. This decision indicates that Suarez's illustrious football career is nearing its conclusion not only on the international stage but also at the club level.
