Luis Suarez reduced to tears by incredible tribute ahead of final Uruguay game
Luis Suarez was visibly emotional ahead of his final appearance for Uruguay as supporters paid tribute to the soccer legend with a brilliant tifo prior to kick-off.
The former Liverpool striker concluded his international career by playing the entirety of Uruguay's 0-0 draw with Paraguay in World Cup qualifying. Suarez made a total of 143 appearances for Uruguay, scoring 69 goals to become his country's all-time leading scorer.
Prior to kick-off in Montevideo, fans displayed a tifo which said 'Luis Eterno' which translates in English to 'Eternal Luis'. Suarez was clearly moved by the tribute, and the tears really began to flow after full-time as a special ceremony took place on the pitch to mark his incredible international career.
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The Inter Miami striker was joined in the pitch by wife Sofia Balbi as well as the couple's daughter and two sons, and a video was shown on the stadium's big screen which included a message from Inter Miami teammate and good friend Lionel Messi.
A plaque at the national stadium was also unveiled in Suarez's honour which featured a picture of his trademark three-finger celebration as well as his autograph, and the words 'El Arco de Luis Suarez - aca el maximo goleador de la celeste realizo su primer gol', which translates to, 'The Arch of Luis Suarez - here the top scorer of the national team scored his first goal'. Suarez scored his first international goal at Estadio Centenario in a 5-0 win over Bolivia in 2007.
A host of Suarez's former international teammates attended the ceremony, including former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan and Atletico Madrid legend Diego Godin.
Oscar Tabarez, the Uruguay manager for 15 years between 2006 and 2021, was also in attendance and Suarez was visibly emotional as he hugged the legendary former manager.
Addressing the fans inside the stadium, Suarez said: "Uruguay is bigger than any player. Starting tomorrow I will be another fan."