Eden Hazard retires from international football after Belgium’s World Cup exit
The 31-year-old was capped 126 times by Belgium, while his last appearance for the national team came as a late substitute in the 0-0 draw with Croatia last week, which resulted in his side being eliminated at the group stage.
Hazard had struggled for playing time ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, starting just two games for Real Madrid since the season started in August.
And now Hazard has made the decision to focus solely on club football for the remainder of his career.
The 31-year-old was capped 126 times by Belgium, while his last appearance for the national team came as a late substitute in the 0-0 draw with Croatia last week, which resulted in his side being eliminated at the group stage.
Hazard had struggled for playing time ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, starting just two games for Real Madrid since the season started in August.
And now Hazard has made the decision to focus solely on club football for the remainder of his career.
‘I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you.’
According to Belgian newspaper HLN, Hazard discussed the idea of retiring with his Belgium teammates in the aftermath of their World Cup exit last Thursday.
The report claims that Hazard had been considering the option of retiring from international football since the beginning of the season, and Belgium’s dismal showing in Qatar did little to change his mind.
Hazard made his senior debut for Belgium in 2008 and went on to feature at five major tournaments for the national side.
The closest Hazard came to a trophy was when Belgium reached the World Cup semi-final in 2018 where they were beaten by France.
Hazard was awarded the Silver Ball by FIFA for being the second-best player at the World Cup, while his performance in the quarter-final win over Brazil is regarded as one of the finest individual displays from a Belgium player at a major tournament.
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