Luis Suarez has confirmed his retirement from international football following Uruguay’s match against Paraguay in Montevideo on Friday.
In an emotional press conference on Monday, the former Liverpool and Barcelona star confirmed his decision.
Suarez, who made his debut for Uruguay in 2007, is celebrated as one of the country’s greatest talents.
The 37-year-old will leave the international stage as Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, with 69 goals in 142 appearances. During his tenure, he captained Uruguay to victory in the 2011 Copa América.
Suárez’s career has often been marked by controversy.
Notably, his decision to use his hands to prevent a goal was pivotal in Uruguay’s advancement to the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup.
Four years later, he faced a four-month ban after biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during a match.
A tearful Suarez said: “I leave with the peace of mind that I gave everything for the national team until Friday.
“I have no regrets.
“There is no better pride in oneself than knowing when the right moment to retire is and luckily I am confident that I am retiring from the national team because I want to take a step aside.
“I am 37 years old and I know that it is very difficult to get to the next World Cup.
“It comforts me a lot that I can retire and not for my injuries to retire me, or to stop being called up.
“It is very helpful to want to take that step aside and feel ready.
“It is difficult because the decision was not easy.
“But I go with the peace of mind that until the last game I gave my all, and that the flame did not burn out slowly and that is why I made the decision that it should be now.”
He added: “I want my children to live this experience.
“Saying goodbye with the people here is something that I don’t know if many have done.”
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