Published 09:40 IST, May 31st 2024

Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani retires from international soccer weeks before Copa America

The 37-year-old Edinson Cavani, a mainstay for Uruguay for the past two decades, had been selected by coach Marcelo Bielsa to play in the tournament that starts June 20 in the United States.

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Edinson Cavani waves to fans after the World Cup group H soccer match between Uruguay and South Korea, at the Education City Stadium | Image: AP
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Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani retired from international soccer on Thursday, three weeks before the start of the Copa America.

The 37-year-old Cavani, a mainstay for Uruguay for the past two decades, had been selected by coach Marcelo Bielsa to play in the tournament that starts June 20 in the United States.

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“I decided to step aside, but I will follow you with my beating heart forever in the same way that I used to do when I got to play with this beautiful shirt,” the Boca Juniors striker in a message posted on Instagram.

Cavani scored 58 goals in 136 matches for Uruguay.

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“I want to dedicate my time to this new stage of my career and give everything wherever I go,” the former Paris Saint Germain star said.

Cavani also played for Napoli, Manchester United and Valencia.

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He played at the past four World Cups. His last match with the national team was in Uruguay’s 2-0 victory over Ghana in the first round of the 2022 World Cup.

09:40 IST, May 31st 2024