Veteran Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani has formally announced his retirement from international football at the age of 37.
Popularly known as "El Matador," Cavani leaves behind a distinguished legacy, securing his position as Uruguay's second-highest goal scorer and the third most-capped player in the nation's history. Across 136 appearances for the national team, he notched an impressive 58 goals.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Cavani expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent his beloved country, affectionately referred to as the "Celeste." "I have been and always will be blessed to have pulled on this shirt to represent what I love most in the world, my country," he stated.
With a focus on his future endeavors, Cavani declared his decision to retire, emphasizing his commitment to the next chapter of his career. "I want to dedicate myself to this new stage of my career and give everything I have to where I need to be," he affirmed.
Cavani's international journey began in 2008, marking the start of a remarkable tenure that saw him participate in four FIFA World Cups. Notably, in the 2010 edition, Uruguay reached the semi-finals, with Cavani earning recognition as the tournament's best player. Another significant highlight of his career was the 2011 Copa America victory, achieved in neighboring Argentina.
Having showcased his talent across renowned clubs like Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United, Cavani currently plies his trade for Argentine club Boca Juniors. His decision to retire from international duty marks the closing of a significant chapter in the storied career of one of Uruguay's footballing icons.