Uruguay's Luis Suarez Announces Retirement From International Football
Luis Suarez, one of Uruguay’s most iconic footballers, has officially announced his retirement from international football. The 37-year-old striker will play his final match for Uruguay against Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier this Friday, closing the curtain on a remarkable 17-year career with the national team.
Suarez, who holds the record as Uruguay’s all-time top scorer with 69 goals in 142 appearances, was visibly emotional as he broke the news during a press conference.
“I’ve been thinking about this and analysing this. I believe this is the right time,” Suarez said, his voice cracking with emotion.
“I want to be relaxed when I play my last game with the national team. I’ll be just as excited to play as I was in 2007 when I played for my national team for the first time.”
Since making his debut against Colombia in 2007, Suarez has been a central figure in Uruguay’s football resurgence. He was instrumental in their run to the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup and played a key role in their 2011 Copa America victory, where he finished as the tournament's second top scorer.
Suarez’s international career has been filled with highs and lows. Perhaps the most famous—or infamous—moment came in the 2010 World Cup when he deliberately handled the ball on the goal line in the dying moments of the quarterfinal against Ghana. His action, which prevented a goal, led to a penalty miss by Ghana and allowed Uruguay to advance to the semifinals after winning the subsequent shootout.
Reflecting on the incident, Suarez famously remarked, “Mine is the real 'Hand of God.' I made the save of the tournament.”
Despite his undeniable talent, Suarez’s career has also been marred by controversy. He received a nine-game international ban in 2014 for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup group stage match.
Yet, Suarez remained resilient, continuing to contribute to his national team, including a strong performance in the 2018 World Cup and helping Uruguay secure third place in this year’s Copa America.
Suarez emphasised that his decision to retire was his own, not due to injuries or being sidelined.
“It gives me a lot of comfort, it helps me individually. It’s difficult but it gives me peace of mind that until the last game I have given my all,” he said.
Suarez, who recently joined Inter Miami to reunite with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, has confirmed that the MLS side will be his final club.
As Suarez steps down, the No. 9 shirt that he has worn so proudly is expected to be passed to Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, who has already shown great promise as the next star in Uruguay’s lineup. Nunez had returned the shirt to Suarez during the Copa America out of respect for the veteran striker’s legendary status.
For Suarez, the final match against Paraguay at Montevideo’s Centenario Stadium will be a fitting end to a storied international career.
“Saying goodbye with the people here is something that I don’t know if many have done,” he reflected. “I want my children to live this experience. My dream was for them to see me win something important with the national team.”
