3rd September, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez has announced his retirement from international football, with his final match for the national team scheduled for this week.
Suárez made the announcement during a news conference, marking the end of a remarkable international career.
Over his career with Uruguay, Suárez earned 142 caps, scored 69 goals, and provided 39 assists.
He retires as Uruguay’s all-time leading goal scorer.
Suárez‘s international journey began when he was invited to play for Uruguay in the qualifying rounds for the 2007 U-20 World Cup.
Although his club, Groningen, initially refused to release him, he eventually participated in the tournament finals, scoring two goals in four appearances.
His goals came in a group stage draw against Spain and in the Round of 16 against the United States, where Uruguay was eliminated after a 2–1 defeat.
Suárez made his senior debut for Uruguay on 8 February 2007 in a 3–1 victory against Colombia. However, his debut was marred by a late sending-off after receiving a second yellow card for dissent.
In the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, Suárez was a key player for Uruguay, featuring in 19 of 20 matches and scoring five goals, helping his nation secure a spot in the tournament.
As Suárez bids farewell to international football, he leaves behind a legacy as one of Uruguay’s greatest ever players.
