Uruguayan Football Legend Luis Suarez Announces Retirement From International Football

Barcelona and Uruguayan football icon Luis Suarez has decided to retire from international football. The 37-year-old striker confirmed that Uruguay’s match against Paraguay in World Cup Qualifiers on Friday will be his swansong for La Celeste.

In an emotional press conference, Luis Suarez said, “Friday will be my last match for my country. It was not an easy decision to make, but I do it with the peace of mind that I will give my maximum until the very last game of my (Uruguay) career.” Suarez made his Uruguay debut on 19th October 2007 in a World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia, which La Celeste won 5-0. During his illustrious 17-year career with the national team, the former Barcelona and Liverpool attacker retires as Uruguay’s top scorer, scoring 69 goals in 142 appearances. Besides being the top scorer for his nation, Suarez also led Uruguay to the 2011 Copa America title, overcoming South American powerhouses like Brazil and Argentina.  

Earlier today, Suarez stated that Uruguay’s 2011 Copa America win was the highlight of his career. “I wouldn’t trade the Copa America title for anything,” he said. “It was the best moment of my career. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Suarez was also named the Player of the Tournament because of guiding Uruguay to the title. Apart from Uruguay’s 2011 Copa America triumph, Luis Suarez has represented his nation in nine major tournaments. While El Pistolero is without a doubt one of the finest strikers of his generation, his time in Uruguay's iconic sky-blue jersey hasn't been without controversy.  

The most infamous moment came during the 2014 World Cup when he bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder. Although he escaped immediate punishment, Suarez was slapped with a four-month ban that delayed his Barcelona debut. Another memorable incident was during the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals against Ghana, where Suarez used his hands to block a goal-bound shot. Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty. Eventually, Uruguay overcame their African opponents in the penalty and Suarez became public enemy No.1 for the entire continent of Africa. 

However, despite his off-field antics and several questionable moments, Luis Suarez remains one of the best to ever wear the famous sky-blue shirt of Uruguay. With 17 years of dedicated service to his country, the upcoming match against Paraguay offers fans the perfect chance to celebrate a player who has given everything for his nation, through the highs and the lows.  

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