Belgium winger Eden Hazard announced his retirement from international football at the age of 31.
Hazard was part of the Belgium side that was just knocked out in the group stages of the World Cup. It was rumoured that there is a divide in the dressing room between the players, which could explain his decision to retire early.
The Real Madrid star earned his first cap for his country in 2008 when he was only 17 years old. He would go on to play 126 games and score 33 goals for his national side.
🇧🇪 Eden Hazard stats for Belgium NT:
👕 126 games
⚽️ 33 goals
🎯 36 assists
🤝 69 goal contributions⭐️ 1X Belgian Sportsman of the year.
⭐️ 3X Belgium Player of the Year.
⭐️ 3X Best Belgian Footballer abroad.Eden Hazard announces retirement from international football. 👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/zE7dEdVJop
— Sholy Nation Sports (@Sholynationsp) December 7, 2022
He was the core of Belgium’s ‘golden generation’, who despite making it to the 2018 World Cup semi-final, never took home an international honour.
“A page turns today.” Hazard said on his Instagram.
“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.”
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Hazard follows his manager, Roberto Martinez, out the door after what can only be considered, a major failure at the World Cup.