Legends
Copa América Stars: Edinson Cavani (Uruguay)
Before joining PSG, the striker broke into the first team of his boyhood club, Danubio. Cavani only made three appearances for the Uruguayan side before jumping from South America to Europe. The goalscorer began to make a name for himself with Palermo, making 117 total appearances while scoring 37 goals and registering eight assists.
After breaking through with Palermo, Cavani stayed in Italian football but moved to Napoli. The 2010-11 season saw the striker play that campaign on loan, but his move would be permanent in 2011. During his time in Naples, Cavani made 138 appearances, scoring 104 goals and recording 14 assists.
Following seven years of playing in Italy, Cavani moved to PSG and began a new chapter in his career. Even though he was coming to a new country and league, the former Napoli star stated in an interview with the Parisians’ official website in 2019 that supporters were glad he arrived and the connection he formed.
“I think the supporters were happy when I signed here. But I think the love has grown over the years, like the entire relationship. It’s a bit strange to be great friends the first time you meet. A real friendship is created over time, through negative and positive moments.”
“I think we have come a long way together. The supporters give me a lot of joy and motivation. When I joined the club, there were already great players here such as Ibra, Thiago Silva… perhaps that’s why our relationship took a little time to develop.”
Cavani spent eight years in Paris, where he made 301 appearances, scored 200 goals, and provided 43 assists. He left PSG as the club's all-time leading goal scorer, a record that Kylian Mbappé surpassed last year. Along with the numerous goals at PSG and Napoli, Cavani found the back of the net on various occasions for Uruguay.
During his time with La Celeste, the former PSG star made 136 appearances while scoring 58 goals for the South American country. Last month, Cavani announced his retirement from the Uruguayan national team.
The Copa América will not see the veteran striker, but even without Cavani, Uruguay are a favorite to win the tournament. Marcelo Bielsa and his team are in Group C alongside Bolivia, Panama, and the United States. Uruguay will begin this competition on June 23 against Panama at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
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>>INTERNATIONALS: Copa América Stars: Rafael Márquez (Mexico)
