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After both a glittering and controversial career in international football, one of modern football's best strikers is set to hang up his boots
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Controversial, but world-class, striker Luis Suarez has announced his retirement from international football, with the Uruguayan confirming his final game for the national team will be against Paraguay on Saturday 7 September (BST) during the World Cup qualifier. Now 37, Suarez has had a stellar career for Uruguay. In total, the Inter Miami striker represented his national team 142 times, scoring 69 goals and assisting a further 39 times. He even managed to lift the 2011 Copa America title, scoring and assisting in the final during a 3-0 win over Paraguay. Suarez announced his decision in an emotional press conference, highlighting how a lot of thought has gone into the choice to retire. VIDEO: Why Raheem Sterling Could Actually Be PERFECT For Arsenal Specifically "I’ve been thinking about this and analysing this. I believe this is the right time, " 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. " Of course, Suarez's time with Uruguay hasn't all been rosy. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. For the third time in his career, Suarez bit Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as the Italian defender blocked his run into the box during a 1-0 win for Suarez's Uruguay. He subsquently received a four-month ban from football by FIFA. He also received a red card against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals after handling the ball on the line in the last minute of the game. While stood in the tunnel on the side of the pitch, Suarez then proceeded to run around in celebration as Asamoah Gyan missed the penalty that could have sent Ghana into the semis. Uruguay then managed to hold on in extra-time with a man less, before winning the shootout. Suarez's other red card came on his debut, in a 2007 friendly against Colombia. The referee awarded him his second yellow card for dissent. "We did go through difficult moments. There were many, " Suarez added. "Personally, it was worse for me after my massive mistake in 2014. But there's nothing that I would reproach. " Did Luis Suarez try and bite someone again? Uruguay forward embroiled in ugly Copa America scenes Luis Suarez claims Arsenal were close to huge transfer with Real Madrid revelation 'Why not? ' Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi targeting quadruple with Inter Miami Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription Join now for unlimited access Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 Ryan is a staff writer for Four Four Two, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across Four Four Two, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with Four Four Two permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future. Manchester United to replace Erik ten Hag with former England boss, odds say 'Your attitude in defensive set pieces is a f****** disgrace - what is a shame is that Luis de la Fuente called you up for the national team': The unique way La Liga star learned he had been included in Spain squad Saudi Pro League side completes shock deal for leading goalscorer Four Four Two is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. ©
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