Ammon News - Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has left the door open for an international return, saying he would reverse his retirement ​if he is needed for this year’s World Cup, ‌potentially returning to the national side after over a 19‑month absence.

The 39‑year‑old retired from international football in September 2024 as Uruguay’s all‑time leading scorer ​with 69 goals in 143 appearances.

Suarez’s farewell was marked by ​controversy after he criticised coach Marcelo Bielsa’s management style, ⁠saying it had divided the dressing room, though the former ​Barcelona forward said he has apologised for those remarks.

"I would ​never say no to the national team if they need me, especially with a World Cup coming up," Suarez told reporters as quoted by EFE ​news agency.

“At the time, I stepped aside to make way ​for the younger generation. I said something I shouldn’t have said. I have ‌already ⁠apologised to those I needed to apologise to.”

Now at Major Soccer League (MLS) side Inter Miami, Suarez said he still feels the drive to compete, despite his age.
"You realise you still have a ​little bit of ​life left ⁠in you," Suarez said.

"You get the urge to keep competing. You can see it on the ​pitch when you still get angry about the ​losses and ⁠the bad passes, and you still enjoy it when you score goals."

Suarez has represented Uruguay at four World Cups and was part ⁠of ​their 2011 Copa America‑winning side.

The 2026 ​World Cup, co‑hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, will begin on June ​11.

Reuters