We are getting older. Time takes no prisoners and affects everyone equally. It is like climate change, you may or may not agree, but it will affect you in the end.
There is no greater example of all of the above than the retirement of emblematic players in past eras, and now it is Luis Suárez's turn. Well, actually halfway because he is only retiring from the Uruguayan national team. However, we all know what comes next.
A legend of Uruguay and world football will no longer be present in international tournaments. He retired with his people, at the Centenario and supported by his own people. A decision he made after meditating on it with the coach who has influenced him the most: Maestro Tabarez.
Myth of Atletico Madrid
The Uruguayan legend leaves the national team after playing 161 games, scoring 69 goals and assisting on 39 other occasions. His high point with the Albiceleste came in 2010 at the World Cup in South Africa, where they reached the semi-finals and the following year they won the Copa América title.
The Uruguayan striker spent two seasons at Atlético de Madrid , not enough for some, but enough for a legend like him. The mark he left on the red-and-white team was indelible, and even more so when his goals helped Atlético de Madrid secure their eleventh league title. Nobody forgets that ride at the José Zorrilla that culminated a long-awaited comeback to bring the league title to Madrid.
Apart from the league title, he scored 34 goals in 83 games for the red and white team at the age of 33 and 34. Although in his last few games he seemed to lack that extra bit of time that makes the difference, his commitment and dedication were irreproachable.
Tribute in style
His teammates from the Uruguayan national team did not want to be left behind in this tribute. After Nahitán Nández's speech in the locker room, Luis Suárez broke down. Feeling like crying and visibly upset, the Inter Miami striker said: "Today I have to say goodbye but with the peace of mind of having left everything behind ."
"From tomorrow I will be just another fan, because Uruguay is bigger than any name that passes through the national team." With the same humility that has always characterized him, Luis Suárez steps aside in the national team led by Marcelo Bielsa.
He couldn't say goodbye with a victory, after the goalless draw against Paraguay . He was a starter and captain in his last match, and he said goodbye at his home, El Centenario. And you, who are watching it on TV, have realized one thing, because yes, it is inevitable, and the reality is that we get older.