Luis Suárez is the top scorer in the history of the Uruguayan national team / Photo: EFE
Luis Suárez, aged 37, will play his 143rd match for Uruguay on Friday, marking the end of an affair that saw him become the all-time top scorer with the Celeste at 69.
The striker announced this with tears in his eyes during an emotional press conference at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo.
“Friday will be my last match with my country’s national team. It’s something I’ve been thinking about, I’ve been analyzing it. It’s the right time,” said the footballer, referring to the Celeste’s match against Paraguay corresponding to the seventh round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
He announced that on the day of his farewell to the national team he will play with the same enthusiasm and desire that he faced when he was first elected in February 2007.
“I’m leaving with the peace of mind that until Friday I gave everything for the national team. The best. I have nothing to reproach myself for,” said the footballer who played in four World Cups and in 2011 won the Copa América with the Celeste and was chosen as the figure of the tournament.
Gratitude
Suárez thanked the fans for the treatment they have given him over the years and stressed that people know the effort he has always made to defend the Uruguayan national team.
He clarified that he will not be playing against Venezuela for the eighth round of the qualifiers.
“The fact that I’m retiring and not the injuries or the fact that they stop calling me up. That comforts me a lot,” said the former Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid and Nacional player.
Speaking about his farewell, he said he hopes the match will be “unforgettable” for him, his family and the people who go to the stadium.
“I hope for a great celebration, and for Uruguay to win, because it is still a qualifying match for three points and we have to take it seriously,” said Suarez.
Montevideo / EFE
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2024-09-04 05:33:28