Inter Miami and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has dropped another retirement hint, as he admits that “the flame of football is going out”.
Veteran frontman Suarez is now 37 years of age and has been managing long-standing knee problems for some time. He shelved any plans to hang up his boots when being presented with the opportunity to reunite with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi in MLS.
Suarez is, however, aware that the end of his distinguished career is approaching. He is currently on international duty at the 2024 Copa America, with an impressive haul of caps for his country being taken to 140 — with 68 goals recorded along the way.
He is not ready to call it quits just yet, with silverware to be chased down with club and country, but has said of the short-term future: “I am enjoying every moment very much. It's something that, as I get older, you enjoy more and more because you know that the flame of football is going out. I'm just one more player, you've seen that. Whether I play or not, I'm happy with the part I'm doing and trying to help in any way I can.”
Suarez is no longer a guaranteed starter for Uruguay, but he has an important role to play in their squad — with his vast experience being put to good use.
They are currently readying themselves for a Copa quarter-final clash with Brazil, which Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior will sit out through suspension.
Paradise in Nevada will host the most tantalizing matchup of the round.