Uruguayan football veteran Edinson Cavani, aged 37, has officially announced his retirement from international football.
Renowned by his moniker “El Matador,” Cavani leaves behind a lasting legacy as Uruguay’s second highest goal scorer and third most-capped player, tallying an impressive 58 goals across 136 appearances.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Cavani expressed gratitude for the privilege of representing his nation, stating, “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.”
The revered striker further added, “Today I’ve decided to retire, but I’ll always follow you with my heart pounding, just like when I played in that beautiful shirt,” dedicating his decision to his “beloved Celeste,” the affectionate nickname for the Uruguayan national team.
Cavani embarked on his international journey in 2008, marking the commencement of a stellar career that saw him grace the field in four FIFA World Cups. Notable among his achievements was his pivotal role in Uruguay’s 2010 World Cup campaign, where the team reached the semi-finals, with Cavani being honored as the tournament’s best player.
Among his accolades, Cavani’s standout moment in the Uruguayan jersey was clinching the 2011 Copa America title in Argentina.
Having plied his trade for esteemed clubs like Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United, Cavani now finds himself donning the colors of Argentine club Boca Juniors as he transitions into the next phase of his illustrious career.