Ruiz: 'This was my last game'
- by Soccer America , Oct 18, 2012
[USA-GUATEMALA: Reaction] Long-time U.S. nemesis Carlos Ruiz announced his international retirement after Tuesday's
USA-Guatemala match. "El Pescadido," who scored the game's first goal, the 30th in 37 qualifiers, will retire without fulfilling his dream of leading the Chapines to the World Cup for the first
time.
"This was my last game," the former MLS MVP said. "I cried what I needed to cry in the locker room; I prayed what I needed to pray. I thanked my teammates, and I want to
thank the fans for the constant support, and my daughters for having patience with me when I'm not at home, because we have to be with the national team."
Ruiz, whose career has taken him
to the United States (four MLS clubs), Greece, Mexico and Paraguay, finished with 55 goals in 105 international matches. He had agreed to try one last time to get Guatemala to the World Cup, returning
to the Bicolor at the request of Paraguayan coach Ever Hugo Almeida.
"This was something already discussed, that this would be my last cycle with
the national team," he said. "I got here thanks to God, but it's time for the youth to follow up. They have to commit themselves to the national team."
Ricardo Clark won't get another shot at his cabeza. What a pest of a player, a nightmare to play against.
Carlos: Lo he seguido por muchos anos, hasta por tu etapa en Philly. Siempre jugando fuerte; siempre pensando; siempre formando dolores para los defensas. Nada en esta vida es gratis asi de que felicitaciones por tus estatisticas internacionales. Por lo menos hinche Por Colombia en el Mundial!!
Pescadito was pure class and one of the best finishers our league has ever had. Remember when he bragged that he could score 20 goals in MLS? Alexi Lalas called bullshit on him and said he would buy him a Rolex if Ruiz could score 20 goals. Not only did he score more than 20 goals, but he also got the game winner in the MLS Cup Final in New England! I was there when Lalas presented the Rolex at Staples Center during the Championship Celebration. I dont think the league embraced Ruiz enough. This guy is one of the best finishers our league has ever been blessed with.
Kudos to Carlos! Brilliant finisher ... technique galore ... understanding galore ... creativity galore ... hunger galore. It is obvious his best days have passed and he is not fit enough to deliver his best. I agree he has been under appreciated. Thanks for the memories!