Wayne Lumbasi
Belgium captain Eden Hazard announced his retirement from international football aged 31 on Wednesday after his second-ranked team’s World Cup campaign ended in a disappointing group stage exit.
His decision comes after a tournament that was undermined by frequent reports of infighting and division among the Belgium squad in Qatar.
Hazard’s form has fallen off a cliff since his move from Chelsea to Real Madrid in 2019 after battling a succession of injuries.
Hazard made his debut for the senior international side at just 17 in 2008 but had not been in great form at the 2022 World Cup. He has scored 33 goals at the international level in 126 appearances, where he captained the side 56 times.
“A page turns today.thank you for your love,” the forward posted.
“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”.
