Sport
Luis Suarez Retires from Uruguay National Team After 17 Years
Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez has officially announced his retirement from international football with Uruguay.
The 37-year-old striker revealed the news during a press conference on Monday, stating that he would step down from the national team after Uruguay’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Friday.
Suarez leaves behind an illustrious legacy as Uruguay’s all-time top scorer, having netted 69 goals in 142 appearances over the course of a 17-year international career.
The former star of Liverpool and Barcelona expressed pride in his decision, emphasising the importance of knowing when to walk away on his own terms.
“There is no greater satisfaction than recognising the right moment to retire, and fortunately, I am at peace with my choice,” Suarez said. “I want to step aside from the national team now, while it’s my decision, not due to injury or because I’m no longer being called up.”
Suarez admitted that at 37, the prospect of competing in another World Cup would be challenging. He explained that his decision allows him to retire with dignity, rather than being forced out by physical limitations. The striker noted that he’s grateful for the opportunity to bow out on his own terms.
Suarez made his international debut for Uruguay back in February 2007, in a 3-1 win over Colombia. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in Uruguay’s successes, including their Copa América triumph in 2011, and has been a key figure in numerous World Cup campaigns.
His contributions to the national team will be remembered as some of the most significant in Uruguay’s football history.
Former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has shared his thoughts on Victor Osimhen’s next career move, saying the final decision belongs to the striker alone. Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli permanently this summer after a successful loan spell at Galatasaray, where he won the league, League Cup, and the Golden Boot.
Osimhen has already rejected offers from Saudi side Al-Hilal, making it clear he wants to continue playing in Europe. Speaking to Sport 247, Okocha stressed that Osimhen must make the choice himself.
“The decision is his to make. Whether it works out or not, he has to own it,” Okocha said. He added that no one else should dictate Osimhen’s future, saying the striker should do what is best for himself and his family.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has revealed his top picks for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, naming four players he believes could take home the prestigious award. Deco mentioned Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Pedri, alongside PSG duo Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha, as his favourites for the prize.
“Lamine has a real chance, just like Pedri, Dembele, and Vitinha,” Deco said in a chat with La Vanguardia, as reported by Barca Universal. He added that it’s exciting to see Barcelona players back in the conversation for one of football’s biggest honours.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in September. Manchester City midfielder Rodri claimed the award last year, finishing ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
AC Milan star Rafael Leao has picked Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the two greatest players he’s shared the pitch with. Leao, who plays alongside Ronaldo for Portugal, also had the chance to team up with Ibrahimovic during the Swede’s final years at AC Milan.
Speaking in an interview with fashion outlet L’Officiel, Leao said, “It’s not just one, but two — Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Ronaldo, now 40, is still active with Saudi club Al Nassr, though his contract is set to run out at the end of this month. Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic, 43, has retired and currently works as an advisor for AC Milan under the club’s American ownership.
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