2024-09-05 09:55:31
Uruguay star striker Luis Suarez has decided to hang up his boots. He will retire after playing the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay next Friday. He announced this in a press conference on Monday (02 September) local time.
Regarding retirement, Suarez said, ‘In fact, there is no greater pride for a person than knowing when to retire. I am lucky and confident that I am stepping down from the national team.’
Suarez said in an emotional voice, ‘I am 37 now. I know it will be very difficult for me to catch the next World Cup. But the thing I like is that – I am not going to retire due to injury or any other problem.’
‘It is a matter of relief and pleasure to me that I am personally ready to retire. Although the decision to retire was not so easy for me. Still, I can retire with the peace of mind that I gave my all for Uruguay until the last match.’ He added.
Suarez made his debut in the national team on February 8, 2007. They beat Colombia 3-1 in that match. Since then, Suarez has become an integral part of the Uruguayan team. He played in four World Cups and five Copa Americas for the national team. He also played in the last 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America.
He won the Copa America title in 2011. That is the best achievement of his career, ‘I am very lucky to have won many titles in my career. But nothing compares to the Copa America title for me. The memory of winning the Copa America title in 2011 was the most beautiful moment for me.’
The former star of Liverpool and Barcelona is currently playing with Lionel Messi in Inter Miami. Played 142 matches for Uruguay and scored 69 goals. Which makes him the highest goalscorer in the country’s jersey. And he is leaving from that seat.