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Luis Suarez announces retirement in Uruguay: Will Suarez continue playing for Inter Miami?

Luis Suarez announces retirement in Uruguay: Will Suarez continue playing for Inter Miami?

Uruguay and Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez has announced his retirement from international footballending a brilliant career with the national team.

The 37-year-old is Uruguay’s top scorer with 69 goals and is expected to make his 143rd and final appearance for the national team against Paraguay next Saturday.

“I’ve thought about it all and analysed it. I think it’s the right time,” a tearful Suarez told reporters on Monday. “I want to be relaxed when I play my last game with the national team.”

Luis Suarez had a historic career with Uruguay, winning the Copa America in 2011.

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Luis Suarez had a historic career with Uruguay, winning the Copa America in 2011.JOHN SIBLEYREUTERS

I will be just as excited to play as I was in 2007 when I first played for my national team.. This 19-year-old kid is now a veteran player, an older player – whatever you want to call him – with an incredible history with the national team and will give his life for the team on Friday.

Will Luis Suarez retire from Inter Miami?

Suarez’s announcement on Monday confirmed that he was retiring from the Uruguayan national team, but he made no comment on his club future. In football, it is common for players to retire from international play to continue playing for their club in the later stages of their careers.

As such, Suarez will certainly continue with Inter Miami for the remainder of 2024Beyond that, its future is less clear.

He has been in fine form for Miami in his first MLS season, leading the team in scoring and now just one goal behind the Golden Boot race leader. Last Saturday, he scored twice to help Miami to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Fire. His second goal was his 16th of the MLS campaign, tying Inter Miami’s single-season goalscoring record.

His current deal at Chase Stadium expires at the end of the current season and all parties seem content to make a decision on an extension at the end of 2024. If his aging legs allow it, a fierce competitor like Suarez could well be tempted to stay for another year. What is almost certain, however, is that MLS will see the final games of a true legend.