Veteran striker Luis Suarez announced his retirement from the Uruguayan national team on Monday at the age of 37.
The former Liverpool and Barcelona striker, who is Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 142 games, is due to play his final international match against Paraguay on Friday.
“I hate to say it, but Friday will be my last game with my country,” a tearful Suarez told a news conference at the Centenario Stadium, where Uruguay face Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier that day.
Suarez, who has represented Uruguay since 2007, said he believes now is the right time to retire.
“I know it’s going to be tough going into the next World Cup. It’s a real relief to know I’m retiring on my own, rather than because of an injury,” he said.
Suarez has been part of Uruguay’s squad in four World Cups and five Copa América tournaments. He won the continental tournament in 2011.
The striker plays for Inter Miami alongside his close friend Lionel Messi and is looking to continue his career at club level. The pair played together at Barcelona between 2014 and 2020. Suarez has also played for Ajax, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Grêmio.
Associated Press reports.
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