Real Madrid midfielder Eden Hazard has announced his international retirement for Belgium after a group-stage exit at the Qatar World Cup.
Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reports that Hazard discussed the intention of retiring from the national team with his teammates in the immediate aftermath of their final group match against Croatia.
Hazard follows coach Roberto Martinez in walking away from the Red Devils with a series of their ‘golden stars’ generation expected to call it quits with the national team in the coming days.
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In a statement released on social media, Hazard wrote: “A page turns today… Thank you for your love. Thank you for your unparalleled support. Thank you for all this happiness shared since 2008.
“I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you….”
Hazard retires with 126 international caps for Belgium and an impressive tally of 33 goals and 36 assists. After making his international debut in 2008, he went on to represent Belgium in three World Cups, and two European Championships.
He played all but one match in the Belgian side that finished third in the 2018 World Cup and retires as the third most capped player in his country’s history.
He made his Belgium debut as a 17-year-old phenomenon, coming on against Luxembourg on November 19, 2008.
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