In a poignant announcement this week, legendary Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez revealed he will be donning the national jersey for the last time this Friday. The match, a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay at Centenario Stadium, marks the end of an illustrious 17-year international career for Suárez.
An emotional Suárez, 37, struggled to hold back tears as he shared his decision during a press conference late Monday. “It hurts to say it, but Friday will be my last match with my country’s national team,” he declared. “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.”
Reflecting on his decision, Suárez expressed a sense of peace about retiring on his own terms. “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.” He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, having netted 69 goals in 142 matches since his debut in 2007.
His international achievements include participating in four World Cups and five Copa America tournaments. He was instrumental in Uruguay’s 2011 Copa America victory, scoring crucial goals in the semifinals and the final, where he was also named the player of the tournament. “It’s very difficult, but I want to be relaxed when I play my last game with the national team,” Suárez said. “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.”
Even as he bids farewell, Suárez reflected on his evolution from a youthful talent to a seasoned veteran. “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,” he added.
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Suárez’s career is punctuated by moments of both triumph and controversy. One of the most memorable instances was during the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals against Ghana. In a last-ditch effort, Suárez used his hand to block a sure goal in extra time, resulting in a red card. Ghana missed the ensuing penalty, and Uruguay won the shootout, achieving their first semifinals appearance in 40 years. Suárez was hailed as a hero in Uruguay but faced global condemnation.
However, his reputation took a severe hit during the 2014 World Cup when he bit Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini, an act that earned him a nine-match ban, the longest in World Cup history. Reflecting on this dark chapter, Suárez admitted his fear that his legacy would be tarnished. “My fear has always been that my lasting image for my children and all Uruguayan fans would be of 2014,” Suárez explained. “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.”
Despite the controversies, Suárez’s talent remained undeniable. He reached the milestone of 100 caps during the 2018 World Cup and was twice named man of the match as Uruguay advanced to the quarter-finals. Yet, in 2022, the national team failed to make it past the group stages, marking a disappointing campaign.
Following his international retirement, Suárez will continue to play for Inter Miami, a club he has previously indicated will be his last stop in professional football. His career spanning prominent clubs like Barcelona, Liverpool, Ajax, and Atletico Madrid has been nothing short of stellar.
As the final chapter of Suárez’s international career draws to a close, fans and fellow players alike will undoubtedly be watching with a mix of admiration and sadness. His contributions to Uruguayan football are indelible, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
