Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez has officially announced his retirement from the Uruguay national team, marking the end of a legendary 17-year international career. The 37-year-old forward announced during an emotional press conference on Monday, revealing that he will step away from international duty after Uruguay’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Friday.
Suarez departs as Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, having netted 69 goals in 142 appearances since his debut in February 2007 in a 3-1 victory against Colombia. Reflecting on his decision, Suarez expressed pride in choosing the right moment to retire.
“There is no better pride in oneself than knowing when the right moment to retire is, and luckily I am confident that I am retiring from the national team because I want to take a step aside,” Suarez stated. “I am 37 years old and I know that it is very difficult to get to the next World Cup. It comforts me a lot that I can retire and not for my injuries to retire me, or to stop being called up.”
Suarez’s retirement marks the end of an era for Uruguay, as he steps down as one of the most prolific and iconic players in the nation’s football history.