Luis Suárez Announces Heartfelt Retirement from Uruguay National Team

Veteran striker Luis Suárez has announced his retirement from Uruguay's national team at age 37. The former Liverpool and Barcelona forward will play his last international match against Paraguay. Suárez, Uruguay's all-time leading scorer with 69 goals, cited timing and self-led retirement as key reasons for his departure.

In a poignant press conference held at the Centenario Stadium, veteran striker Luis Suárez announced his retirement from Uruguay's national team at the age of 37. The former Liverpool and Barcelona forward, who is Uruguay's all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 142 matches, revealed that his final international appearance will be against Paraguay on Friday.

''It hurts to say it, but Friday will be my last match with my country's national team,'' an emotional Suárez stated during the press conference. The match against Paraguay is a World Cup qualifier.

Suárez, who has represented Uruguay since 2007, emphasized that it was the right time to retire, as making it to the next World Cup would be challenging. He expressed relief in choosing to retire on his own terms rather than due to injuries. Over his career, Suárez participated in four World Cups and five Copa America tournaments, winning the continental tournament in 2011.

Currently playing alongside close friend Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, Suárez plans to continue his club career. He has also played for Ajax, Liverpool, Atlético Madrid, and Gremio throughout his illustrious career.

(With inputs from agencies.)