Luis Suarez has made it clear he has no ‘regrets’ after announcing his retirement from international football.
The 37-year-old will play his last match for his country this week, with Uruguay set to go up against Paraguay on Saturday before facing Venezuela three days later.
Suarez first appeared for his country all the way back in 2007.
He has earned 142 caps over the years, scoring 69 goals, which is 11 more than former Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli star Edinson Cavani.
Luis Suarez cried as the Uruguay icon announced his retirement from international football
REUTERS
Speaking at a press conference, Suarez cried as he announced his retirement from international football.
But the Inter Miami star has insisted he has no regrets after providing such a huge service for his country.
“I leave with the peace of mind that I gave everything for the national team until Friday. I have no regrets,” he said.
“There is no better pride in oneself than knowing when the right moment to retire is and luckily I am confident that I am retiring from the national team because I want to take a step aside.”
He added: “I am 37 years old and I know that it is very difficult to get to the next World Cup.
“It comforts me a lot that I can retire and not for my injuries to retire me, or to stop being called up.
“It is very helpful to want to take that step aside and feel ready. It is difficult because the decision was not easy.
“But I go with the peace of mind that until the last game I gave my all, and that the flame did not burn out slowly and that is why I made the decision that it should be now.”
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Suarez didn’t win a trophy with Uruguay.
He did, however, help them recently finish third at the Copa America.
Suarez is pleased to have lived his dream – and said he opted against retiring after the Copa America because he wanted to say goodbye to Uruguay fans.
“My dream was for my children to see me win something important with the national team,” he said.
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Luis Suarez has made it clear he has no ‘regrets’ after announcing his retirement from international football.
REUTERS
“That last goal was very nice for them and even though it wasn’t a trophy to take home, it was very nice for them.
“I wanted to show people again that I can continue to contribute to the national team.
“I had the Copa America and yes, I could have done it (retired) perfectly after that, but having analysed the situation, I want to do it with my people, in my stadium.
“I want my children to live this experience. Saying goodbye with the people here is something that I don’t know if many have done.”
Luis Suarez is set to make his final appearance for Uruguay this week
REUTERS
Suarez also revealed he would be staying at Inter Miami after joining the MLS outfit last year.
He currently plays alongside close friend Lionel Messi, with the pair previously achieving great things during their time at Barcelona.