Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez has called it quits on his international football journey, 17 years after his debut for the La Celeste.
The 37-year-old fought back tears as he confirmed Uruguay’s World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Saturday will be his last appearance for his country.
Despite his incredible journey as a professional footballer for his national team, the forward has witnessed two unforgettable World Cups in his career.
Suarez in the 2010 World Cup was the hero despite not taking any of the penalties during the shootouts when Uruguay played against Ghana in South Africa.
Ghana was on the verge of making history, becoming the first African team to reach the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup.
Suarez cleared Mensah’s header with his hands at the goal line to deny Ghana the winning goal in the dying minutes as Asamoah Gyan fired the resulting penalty on the crossbar as they went to beat the West African side via shootout.
In 2014, the Liverpool man during Uruguay’s game against Italy bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini and was given a four-month ban.
Despite these controversies, Luis Suarez Will retire as his country’s top scorer in history.
The former Ajax, Liverpool and Barcelona forward has scored a remarkable 69 goals in 142 appearances while also making 39 assists.
“I’ve been thinking about this and analysing this. I believe this is the right time,” said Suarez.
“I want to be relaxed when I play my last game with the national team. I’ll be just as excited to play as I was in 2007 when I played for my national team for the first time.
“That 19-year-old kid is now a veteran player, an older player – however you want to call it – with an incredible history with the national team, that will give his life for the team.” He added.
