Uruguay international Luis Suarez has announced that he will wear the national team’s jersey for the last time on Friday, September 6th, during the World Cup Qualifiers match against Paraguay.
With tears in his eyes, Suarez confirmed at a press conference that he has decided to retire from international football.
Suarez, Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, has played 142 matches for the national team over his 14-year career, scoring a total of 69 goals. He led his country to victory in the 2011 Copa America, solidifying his legacy as one of Uruguay’s greatest players.
His final goal for the national team came as an added-time equalizer against Canada in the third-place playoff match at the 2024 Copa America.
Suarez will be remembered for two major incidents during his international career, both occurring at the FIFA World Cups in 2010 and 2014.
During the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Suarez made a deliberate handball goal-line clearance in the quarter-final match against Ghana. He was sent off, but Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan missed the subsequent penalty. Uruguay eventually won on penalties, securing a spot in the semi-finals.
In the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Suarez was involved in another controversy when he bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during a group-stage match. The referee did not see the incident, and Uruguay was awarded a corner, after which Diego Godin scored the decisive 81st-minute goal, advancing Uruguay to the Round of 16 and eliminating Italy.
Reflecting on his retirement, Suarez said:
“I leave with the peace of mind that I gave everything for the national team until Friday. I have no regrets. There is no greater pride than knowing when the right moment to retire is, and I am confident that I am stepping aside because I want to, not because of injuries or being left out of the squad.”
“I am 37 years old, and I know that making it to the next World Cup would be very difficult. It comforts me to retire on my terms, without injuries forcing my hand or being sidelined. It’s not an easy decision, but I feel ready to take that step.”
“I go with the peace of mind that, until the last game, I gave my all, and the flame didn’t burn out slowly. That’s why I decided that now is the right time.”
A tearful Suarez concluded his remarks, leaving behind a legacy of passion, skill, and unforgettable moments on the international stage.
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