MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — Veteran striker Luis Suárez announced his retirement from Uruguay's national team on Monday at the age of 37.

The former Liverpool and Barcelona forward, Uruguay's all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 142 matches, will play his last international game on Friday against Paraguay.

“It hurts to say it, but Friday will be my last match with my country's national team,” a tearful Suárez said in a press conference at the Centenario Stadium. Uruguay hosts Paraguay in a World Cup qualifying match that day.

Suárez, who has played for Uruguay since 2007, said he believes it's the right time to retire.

“I know that it is difficult for me to get to the next World Cup. Being retired by myself and not by injuries is very comforting," he said.

Suárez was in Uruguay's squad in four World Cups and five Copa America tournaments. He won the continental tournament 2011.

The striker plays at Inter Miami with his close friend Lionel Messi and plans to continue his career at club level. The two played together at Barcelona between 2014 and 2020. Suárez also played for Ajax, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, and Gremio.