Luis Suarez has declared his retirement from the game of football for Uruguay following Friday’s match between Uruguay and Paraguay in Montevideo.
During an emotional press conference on Monday, the former Barcelona and Liverpool player announced the news. Since making his debut in 2007, Suarez has gained recognition as one of his nation’s greatest players ever.
With 69 goals from 142 appearances, the 37-year-old will leave the international arena as Uruguay’s highest scorer. He led the South Americans to victory in 2011 and helped them win the Copa America.
He was never far from controversy, and in 2010 he helped Uruguay reach the World Cup quarterfinals by using his hands to save a goal. Four years later, the forward for Liverpool at the time bit Giorgio Chiellini, earning him a four-month suspension.”I leave with the peace of mind that I gave everything for the national team until Friday,” a heartbroken Suarez stated. I don’t regret anything. Knowing when to retire is the best way to feel good about yourself, and fortunately, I am certain that I am leaving the national team because I want to take a step back.
“At 37 years old, I am aware of how challenging it will be to qualify for the next World Cup. The fact that I can retire and that my injuries won’t prevent me from getting called up or retiring gives me great peace. Being ready and wanting to stand away is a really good thing. It’s challenging since it wasn’t an easy choice.
However, I leave knowing that I gave it everything I had until the very final game and that the flame did not die out gradually, which is why I decided that this was the right time.Suarez acknowledges that his goal was to win a national award for his country for his kids. In order to play his farewell game in front of his home crowd, the striker also decided to continue playing beyond this summer’s Copa America.
“I wish for my kids to go through this. I don’t know how many people have bid farewell to the individuals here,” Suarez said.
At Inter Miami, the Uruguayan is enjoying his golden years with a number of his former Barcelona teammates. In Florida, players such as Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets are also making their living as Suarez strives to accomplish more success in the latter stages of his career.
