Qatar: Belgium’s playmaker Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international football at 31.
Hazard, an attacking midfielder or winger, made his Belgium debut at 17. The player announced this decision after Belgium were knocked out of the World Cup in the group stages.
“A page turns today. Thank you for your love [and] for your unparalleled support,” the Real Madrid player quoted.
“Thank you for all this happiness since 2008. I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you,” Hazard shared on social media.
Hazard was a part of the squad that advanced to the 2018 World Cup semifinals, losing 1-0 to France, then thrashed England to place third. The Belgium player made his debut against Luxembourg, coming on as a substitute to become the eighth youngest player in his country. Further, he went on to feature at three World Cups and two European Championships, as well as captaining the team 56 times.
Hazard played in all of Belgium’s three World Cup games in Qatar, although the team only managed one goal in a 1-0 victory over Canada. They drew 0-0 with Croatia and lost 2-0 to Morocco.
Hazard’s time in Spain has been hampered by injuries but since he joined, Real Madrid has won two La Liga titles and the Champions League, although Hazard was an unused substitute in May’s 1-0 win in the final against Liverpool.