Kolkata : Uruguayan legend Luis Suarez has announced retirement from international Football, concluding a 17 years long iconic and controversial career.
The Uruguay star will retire after Friday’s match against Paraguay in South American qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2026.
“Friday will be my last match with my country’s national team,” an emotional Suarez told a press conference.
Suarez is the highest goal scorer for Uruguay with 69 goals in 142 appearances across 17 years. Suárez made his senior debut for Uruguay on February 8, 2007, in a 3-1 victory over Colombia.
He quickly became a vital part of the squad, playing a key role in securing Uruguay’s spot in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. By then, he had already cemented his place in the team, featuring in 19 of the 20 World Cup qualifying matches.
“For me individually, it is very helpful for me to want to take that step aside and feel ready. It is difficult because the decision was not easy. But I go with the peace of mind that until the last game I gave my all, and that the flame did not burn out slowly and that is why I made the decision that it should be now,” Suarez added.
The Uruguay striker helped the nation secure 3rd place in Copa America 2024 , scoring the winner against Canada.
“My dream was for my children to see me win something important with the national team … that last goal was very nice for them and even though it wasn’t a trophy to take home, it was very nice for them,” he said.
“I wanted to show people again that I can continue to contribute to the national team and, well, I had the Copa America and yes, I could have done it (retired) perfectly after that, but having analysed the situation, I want to do it with my people, in my stadium. I want my children to live this experience. Saying goodbye to the people here is something that I don’t know if many have done”, he added.
The Forward helped Uruguay clinch 2011 Copa America title & won the Man of the Tournament award. He said this was his best moment in his career.
“I wouldn’t trade the Copa America title for anything,” he said. “It was the best moment of my career. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
He revealed that it’s difficult for him to get into FIFA World Cup 2026 , & also would rather open doors for talented youngsters.
“I am retiring because I want to step aside. I am 37 years old, there are a lot of talented players, and I know it would be difficult to get to the next World Cup. It is comforting to know I can retire on my terms and not have to retire due to injuries, or to not being called up. I want to say goodbye here, with my people. This is the ideal moment “.
Apart from his iconic career with heroics, he has been a figure of controversies in Football.
His infamous controversies in International Football notably includes the Hand Ball incident against Ghana in FIFA 2010 , where he stopped a goal bound header by Dominic Adiyiah with hand in extra time.
Another incident includes one of his several biting moments to opponents , in the biggest stage of FIFA WC 2014 , where he bit the shoulder of Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini. He received ban from football for 4 months and was suspended for 9 competitive Uruguay matches.
None the less, he was a legendary face in Uruguayan Football, and his absence will be felt in the team. Suarez will now focus on his club career, where he plays for Inter Miami in MLS.
