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JUST IN: Eden Hazard RETIRES from international football.
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The Former Chelsea player announced on Instagram that he is retiring from Belgium duty.
Belgium captain Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 31 after Belgium’s dismal group stage exit at the World Cup.
Ahead of the 2024 European Championships and the 2026 World Cup that will follow, the 31-year-old has decided against participating in another qualification round.
Days after Belgium was eliminated from the group stage in Qatar, Hazard announced his 14-year international retirement and is now solely focused on revitalizing his Real Madrid career.
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The football player took to his social media page to make the announcement. 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….”
View this post on Instagram
With his statement, Hazard ends a career that spanned 126 international appearances from 2008 to 2022, scoring 33 goals throughout that time.
The 31-year-old’s announcement marks the beginning of the end of Belgium’s so-called ‘Golden Generation’, as manager Roberto Martinez announced he would be leaving his post immediately after Belgium’s group stage exit.