Uruguayan football legend, Luis Suarez has confirmed his retirement from international football, which will take effect after the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Montevideo on Saturday, September 7.

Luis Suarez made this announcement at an emotional press conference earlier today, September 3. 

While speaking with reporters, the 37-year-old Inter Miami striker said it was not an easy decision to make, but he is determined to give his all in his final match for Uruguay.

“I’ve been thinking about this and analysing this. I believe this is the right time,” Luis Suarez said.

“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.”

Throughout his career, Luis Suarez has been recognized as one of the greatest players of his generation and is leaving behind a remarkable legacy as Uruguay’s all-time leading goal scorer with 69 goals from 142 appearances.

Suarez, who made his international debut for Uruguay in 2007, led the country to victory in the 2011 Copa America, where he was honoured as the Player of the Tournament.

In addition to his impressive achievements, Suarez’s career has not been without controversy. He was involved in infamous incidents such as being banned from the 2014 World Cup for biting an opponent and his handball on the goal-line during the 2010 World Cup quarter-final clash against Ghana. His career in club football also saw incidents that sparked controversies, including a suspension for alleged racial abuse.

Despite the controversies, Suarez continued to make significant contributions to the Uruguay national team, helping them qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as making appearances in this summer’s Copa America.