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.
Barcelona is reportedly weighing up the possibility of cutting short Marcus Rashford’s loan spell just weeks after bringing him in from Manchester United, according to El Nacional.
Rashford, who made the switch to Spain in July after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, has found life at Camp Nou difficult to adapt to. The England international had already been sidelined from first-team training at United alongside Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia before sealing the move.
However, his early days in LaLiga have not gone as hoped. Barca chiefs are said to be unimpressed with his form and are now considering sending him back to Manchester. Rashford has featured in their opening three league matches but was hauled off at halftime in the clash against Levante, where Barcelona trailed 2-0 before pulling off a stunning 3-2 comeback.
Rashford was expected to inject fresh energy into Barcelona’s attack, but the pressure is already mounting as the club questions whether the loan was the right call.
Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has made a bold call ahead of today’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, leaving out skipper William Troost-Ekong from the starting lineup.
Youngster Benjamin Fredericks will line up alongside Calvin Bassey in the heart of defence, with Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi taking up the full-back positions.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi is set to wear the armband and anchor the team, working alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi. Up front, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen will spearhead the attack, flanked by Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman on the wings. The clash started at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo by 5:00 pm Nigerian time.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has heaped praise on Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, calling him the best player in Africa as the team prepares for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Uyo. Chelle defended his decision to bring Lookman into the squad despite his lack of recent game time, stressing that the Atalanta star’s quality and influence cannot be overlooked.
“Talking about Lookman, honestly, how do you make a squad list without the best player in Africa?” Chelle told reporters at his pre-match briefing. “It’s my responsibility to decide how much he can play, whether it’s five minutes or sixty. But leaving him out isn’t an option. I have full confidence in him.”
Lookman, who was crowned African Footballer of the Year and came close to a move to Inter Milan during the summer, has not featured for club or country since May 25. He had been working on his own fitness before linking up with the Super Eagles in camp. Nigeria will be counting on his spark and experience as they face Rwanda in a match that could decide their World Cup hopes.
