MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AFP) — In a heartfelt press conference held at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay’s legendary forward Luis Suarez announced his retirement from international football. The 37-year-old star confirmed that his final appearance for the national team, known affectionately as “La Celeste,” will be this Friday in a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay.
“Friday will be my last match for my country,” Suarez stated, visibly emotional. He added, “It was not an easy decision to make, but I do it with the peace of mind that I will give my maximum until the very last game of my (Uruguay) career.”
A Glittering Career
Suarez, who enjoys a storied career as one of football’s premier attackers, will retire as Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, boasting an impressive tally of 69 goals over 142 appearances. The current Inter Miami forward first donned the national jersey in 2007, marking the beginning of a journey filled with both groundbreaking achievements and memorable controversies.
Career Highlights
One of the highlights of Suarez’s career came in 2011 when he played a key role in Uruguay’s Copa America triumph. His stellar performance throughout the tournament earned him the title of player of the tournament. Reflecting on this milestone, Suarez said, “I wouldn’t trade the Copa America title for anything. It was the best moment of my career. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
A Controversial Figure
Despite his numerous accolades, Suarez’s career has not been without controversy. Perhaps the most infamous incident occurred during the 2014 World Cup when he was banned for four months for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini. Moreover, his handball in the 2010 World Cup quarter-final against Ghana, which prevented a last-minute winner and led to Uruguay’s victory via a penalty shoot-out, cemented his reputation as a divisive figure.
Another significant controversy took place in 2011 when Suarez received an eight-game ban for allegedly racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra during his tenure with Liverpool.
Final Contributions
Suarez continued to contribute to Uruguay’s successes in recent years. He participated in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and was a vital figure in the national team during the 2024 Copa America, where he mostly played as a substitute under coach Marcelo Bielsa. In his last tournament, he scored his 69th international goal, sealing a third-place finish for Uruguay with a decisive victory over Canada.
A Farewell to Remember
The upcoming match against Paraguay promises to be an emotional farewell for one of football’s most remarkable and controversial talents. As Suarez prepares to step off the international stage, fans around the world will be watching to bid goodbye to a player whose impact on the game will be remembered for years to come.
Luis Suarez’s Career at a Glance:
- Debut: 2007
- Total Goals: 69
- Total Appearances: 142
- Major Achievements: 2011 Copa America Champion, Player of the Tournament
