Montevideo: Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez declared his retirement from international football on Monday, concluding a 17-year tenure with the national team as its leading scorer, netting 69 goals.
The 37-year-old, who boasts 142 caps for Uruguay, embarked on his international journey in 2007 and played a pivotal role in the team that made it to the semifinals of the 2010 World Cup and clinched the Copa America the following year.
“Friday’s match will mark my final appearance for the national team,” Suarez, visibly moved, stated during a press conference.
“The decision to retire is mine, and it’s comforting to know I’m doing so on my own terms, not due to injuries or being overlooked. It’s a tough call, but I’m at peace knowing I’ve dedicated everything up to the very last game, and my passion for the game hasn’t dwindled,” he expressed.
Uruguay is set to face Paraguay at Montevideo’s Centenario stadium this Friday in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, followed by a match against Venezuela four days later.
Suarez’s last-minute goal against Canada, which clinched third place at the Copa America in July, was a highlight, and he mentioned his goal was to prove he could still make a significant contribution to the team. “I’ve always dreamed that my children would witness me achieve something significant with the national team… that final goal was a beautiful moment for them, and while it wasn’t a trophy, it was still very special,” he shared.
“I aimed to demonstrate that I could still be valuable to the national team. After the Copa America, I could have retired, but I chose to do it surrounded by my people, in my home stadium. I want my children to experience this farewell. It’s a unique opportunity that not many have had,” he added.
Suarez has previously announced that Inter Miami will be his final club, having joined the MLS team last year to reunite with his ex-Barcelona teammates.