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Luis Suarez, the legendary striker and record-holder for Uruguay’s national team, announced his retirement from international football on Monday according to goal.com.
This marks the end of an illustrious career that has seen him earn 142 caps and score 69 goals, making him the top scorer in the history of La Celeste.
Suarez, who currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), will make his final appearance for Uruguay in the World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Friday at Estadio Centenario, the team’s iconic home stadium.
The 37-year-old forward is widely regarded as one of the greatest players Uruguay has ever produced, having made his international debut on February 8, 2007, in a 3-1 victory over Colombia. Suarez quickly rose to prominence, playing a key role in Uruguay’s 2010 World Cup campaign and leading the team to Copa America glory in 2011, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
Throughout his career, Suarez has been both celebrated and controversial. One of the most infamous moments came during the 2010 World Cup when he used his hand to block a goal-bound shot from Ghana in the quarterfinals. Although Ghana was awarded a penalty, which they missed, Uruguay advanced to the semifinals.
In a statement on Monday, Suarez reflected on his decision: “I’ve been thinking about this and analyzing this. I believe this is the right time. I want to be relaxed when I play my last game with the national team. I’ll be just as excited to play as I was in 2007 when I played for my national team for the first time. That 19-year-old kid is now a veteran player, an older player—however you want to call it—with an incredible history with the national team. I will give my life for the team on Friday.”
Suarez’s retirement will place him among the elite group of players who have competed in four or more World Cups, joining the ranks of football greats like Pele, Miroslav Klose, Cristiano Ronaldo, and his Inter Miami teammate Lionel Messi.
As Suarez prepares to say goodbye to international football, the Estadio Centenario is expected to be filled with emotion as fans bid farewell to one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
After retiring from international duty, Suarez will continue to play a key role for Inter Miami in MLS, where he has already made an impact with 16 goals and five assists in 20 matches.
