Renowned striker bids farewell to the sport, weeping publicly
Farewell brings tears: Legendary Uruguayan footballer Luis Suárez bids adieu to the national team. Emotions run high, voices tremble. Yet, the retirement from football for the 37-year-old isn't immediate.
One more match, and renowned Uruguayan footballer Luis Suárez will put a full stop to his national team journey. The 37-year-old declared his retirement from La Celeste with tears, and will grace the field for the 143rd international match against Paraguay on Friday in Montevideo.
"It's tough for me to admit, but this will be my last game with the national team. I've pondered over it extensively, and now seems to be the right time," "El Pistolero" revealed his decision. "I've given my all for the national team," he said, his voice trembling. "But I'm 37 years old and the next World Cup is still far off."
Since 2007, the striker has netted 69 goals, securing him the title of Uruguay's all-time leading goal scorer with the team. His most significant achievement was in 2011, during the Copa América. Nevertheless, his conduct off the field often made headlines. Famously, during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he sank his teeth into Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini's shoulder, resulting in a nine-game international ban.
Still playing alongside Messi
Suárez has been grappling with knee problems lately, which is why he was a backup for the latest sensation, Darwin Núñez from Liverpool FC, at the Copa América. However, his retirement from his club Inter Miami will take some more time. There, he shares the pitch with Argentine striker phenomenon Lionel Messi, with whom he shares a close friendship off the field as well.
"I will continue to enjoy football for a little while more," Suárez declared, ruling out a coaching career ("I don't want to, I won't"). In the national team, Suárez made a name for himself with a fourth-place finish at the 2010 World Cup, and as a goal scorer in the Netherlands with Ajax Amsterdam, in England with Liverpool FC, and in Spain with FC Barcelona.
After announcing his retirement from the national team, Uruguayan football legend Luis Suárez is set to play his final match for La Celeste against Paraguay. Despite his retirement from international football, Suárez continues to play alongside Argentine striker Lionel Messi at his club Inter Miami.
