Striker Luis Suárez will play his final game for Uruguay on Friday, marking the end of a remarkable 17-year international career. The World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, held at Centenario Stadium, will serve as the backdrop for Suárez’s emotional farewell. Known for his passion and prowess on the field, Suárez was visibly moved as he made the announcement late Monday during a press conference.
“It hurts to say it, but Friday will be my last match with my country’s national team,” Suárez expressed, unable to hold back tears. “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.”
Luis Suárez, who debuted in 2007, exits the international stage as Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer. With an astonishing 69 goals in 142 matches, Suárez’s career is replete with memorable moments and significant contributions to La Celeste. Reflecting on his decision, Suárez elaborated, “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.”
Having played in four World Cups and five Copa America tournaments, Suárez’s influence on the pitch has been substantial. Notably, he helped guide Uruguay to victory in the 2011 Copa America, scoring twice in the semifinals and netting the match-winner in the final. His efforts were recognized with the tournament’s player of the tournament award.
Luis Suárez confirmed in his recent statement, “It’s very difficult, but I want to be relaxed when I play my last game with the national team. I will be just as excited as I was for my first national team appearance in 2007 when I was a 19-year-old kid. Now, I am a veteran, an older player, whatever you want to call it, with an incredible history with the national team and I will give my life for the team on Friday.
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One of the most defining moments in Suárez’s career occurred during the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals. Suárez prevented Ghana from scoring an extra-time winner with a controversial handball on the goal line, resulting in a red card. Ghana missed the ensuing penalty, and Uruguay ultimately advanced to the semifinals through a penalty shootout, reaching that stage for the first time in four decades. The incident polarized opinions, with Suárez being hailed as a savior in Uruguay but receiving widespread criticism globally.
Another infamous episode involved Suárez biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup, a transgression that led to a nine-game ban from FIFA, the longest in World Cup history. Despite these controversies, Suárez has strived to refocus his legacy on his achievements and contributions to the game.
“My fear has always been that my lasting image for my children and all Uruguayan fans would be of 2014,” Suárez admitted. “I have gotten past that. And, I hope the people have also forgotten and they are left with all the great moments I lived in our stadium, with all the things our team accomplished, in Copas America, in World Cups.”
Suárez’s resilience was evident as he reached his 100th cap during the 2018 World Cup, where he was twice named man of the match, helping Uruguay advance to the quarter-finals. However, the 2022 World Cup saw a less favorable outcome, with Uruguay failing to progress past the group stage.
In addition to his illustrious international career, Suárez’s club career has been equally commendable. Currently with Inter Miami, which he has previously announced will be his final club, he boasts a storied career that includes successful stints at top-tier teams like Barcelona, Liverpool, Ajax, and Atletico Madrid.
As Suárez prepares to don the national jersey one last time on Friday, the football world will remember the highs, lows, and indelible mark he has left on the sport. His dedication, skill, and undeniable impact on Uruguay’s football legacy ensure that Luis Suárez will be remembered as a legend of the game.
(Written with AP inputs)
In summary, Luis Suárez’s final match for Uruguay will take place this Friday against Paraguay, closing out a career that began in 2007 and includes four World Cups, five Copa America appearances, and numerous memorable moments.
