Eden Hazard has announced he has retired from international football after Belgium’s premature exit from the World Cup in Qatar.
The decision was reportedly made after his nation’s elimination from the tournament following a 0-0 draw with Croatia on matchday three.
On his retirement, 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….”
Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reports that Hazard discussed the intention of retiring from the national team with his team-mates in the immediate aftermath of their final group match against Croatia.
Six days later and Hazard has not changed his mind, instead making the announcement to his 27.2 million Instagram followers.
Hazard’s role has appeared increasingly peripheral in Belgium’s side, with his involvement in their final World Cup match in Qatar as an 87th-minute substitute.
He made his Belgium debut as a 17-year-old phenomenon, coming on against Luxembourg on November 19, 2008.
Calling time on his Belgium career after Qatar, the ex-Chelsea attacker has gone on to win 126 international caps, scoring 33 goals and adding 36 assists.
Hazard wore the captain’s armband 56 times for his country.
‘Legendary, thanks for everything bro,’ commentated team-mate Michy Batshuayi.
Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Jnr called Hazard a ‘legend’ while his Belgian compatriot, and fellow Real Madrid team-mate, Thibaut Courtois wrote his message in emojis with one red heart and one sad face.
Jan Vertonghen, Kevin Mirallas, Jeremy Doku and Axel Witsel were others to pay tribute to their ‘brother’ for his contribution to Belgium over the last 14 years.
