OFFICIAL: Belgium captain Eden Hazard announces retirement from international football
After 126 caps and 33 goals, Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international football at age 31. Thank you, Eden!
Eden Hazard RETIRES from international football after Belgium's dismal group stage exit at the World Cup... as 'a page turns' for winger in bid to revive his ailing Real Madrid career.
Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international football.
'A page turns today… Thank you for your love,' Hazard wrote on Instagram.
'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….#onestensemble
The 31-year-old has opted against another qualification cycle ahead of the 2024 European Championships and after that, the 2026 World Cup.
Days after Belgium's group stage elimination in Qatar, Hazard has called time on international duty after 14 years, as he now puts his sole focus into breathing new life into his Real Madrid career.
'Today I decided to put an end to my career as an international. The next generation is ready. I'm going to miss you so much.'
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.
Markysumo
539
someone please appreciate my work🙏
Blessedwinner55
264
Some human beings will never appreciate anything you do for them, that's why they will remain in the same spot. we all should appreciate the entertainment he has given ever since he started playing in the top flight, at such moments that's what we do. we are all humans, even the best have weak moments. So, all these insults here have no place at all. THANK YOU EDEN HAZARD FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT
Graphics100
210
When you wake up and realise there's no World Cup games today 🤷♀️
eggosa91
143
After 126 caps and 33 goals, Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international football at age 31 🇧🇪 madrista and chelsea fc gather here for our boy 🤗
gborne
45
please carry Ronaldo along....not just you alone