Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez has officially announced his retirement from the Uruguay national team.
The decision was disclosed by the 37-year-old forward during a news conference on Monday.
Suarez stated that he will step away from international duty following Uruguay’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Friday.
Suarez, who has enjoyed a stellar career with clubs such as Liverpool and Barcelona, retires as Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, having netted 69 goals in 142 appearances over 17 years.
“There is no greater pride than knowing when the right moment to retire is, and I am confident that this is the right time for me to step aside,”
Suarez expressed with visible emotion. “At 37, I understand how difficult it would be to reach the next World Cup.
It gives me comfort to retire on my own terms, rather than due to injuries or being left out of the squad.”
Suarez made his senior debut for Uruguay in February 2007, in a 3-1 victory against Colombia. Since then, he has been an integral part of the national team, contributing to their successes on the international stage.