Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani has announced his retirement from the national team ahead of the 2024 Copa America, meaning he will not represent his country in the USA this summer.
The striker scored 58 goals in 136 games for the national team, and is second only to Luis Suarez, his long-time teammate, who is the country’s top scorer with 68 goals to his name. Cavani was a part of the squad that won the 2011 Copa America, albeit not scoring in three appearances at the tournament.
Edinson Cavani announces retirement from Uruguay national team
EL CAMINO RECORRIDO ES MI MAYOR RECOMPENSA❤️🇺🇾… pic.twitter.com/o6XK0tzSAH
— Edi Cavani Official (@ECavaniOfficial) May 30, 2024
“Thanks to every single person who was a part of this road over the years. I was and always will be blessed to have worn this jersey representing what I love most in this world, my country,” Edinson Cavani wrote on social media.
“They were without doubt so many wonderful years. I have a thousand things to say, tell and remember, but I want to dedicate today to this new stage of my career and give everything I’ve got to where I’m supposed to be now.
“I have decided so step aside but with my heart still beating, as it was when it was my turn to take to the pitch wearing this beautiful jersey. Sending a strong embrace to all of my fans.”
At club level, the 37-year-old is now playing for Boca Juniors after a lengthy spell in Europe where he played for Palermo, Napoli, PSG, Manchester United and Valencia. Cavani was PSG’s all-time top scorer with 200 goals in seven years, only recently surpassed by Kylian Mbappe.
