Eden Hazard has admitted that he 'didn't like' playing for Belgium at the World Cup over their more 'deserving' new generation of players.
The former Chelsea star started Belgium's first two games at the tournament in Qatar, as they crashed out at the group stage.
This is despite him featuring for Los Blancos only seven times this season, with just three starts in all competitions.
In an interview with Belgian publication, HLN, Hazard revealed that he made his decision to retire after the World Cup, following the European Championships in 2021.
He said: 'I knew for some time that I would stop after the World Cup. The performance in Qatar was not decisive for my decision. Of course it is a pity how it turned out, but my decision was made in advance. It was just time to stop.
'I first started thinking about it after the European Championships. I had done my best to be fit in time after my ankle injury. Unfortunately, I couldn't play in the quarter-final loss to Italy and that really made a mental difference.
'I also play football in Madrid with Toni Kroos. He quit the German national team two years ago and he told me that when others have international commitments, he could take advantage of that time to enjoy with his family.'
Hazard also insisted he felt that a 'new generation' of Belgian players were more deserving to play at the World Cup than him.
He added: 'Meanwhile, new guys knocked on the door with the national team. Not playing at Real, then joining the Red Devils and playing football. I didn't like that, especially because the new generation deserves to play.'
The 32-year-old also said in his interview that he told his team-mates on the bus following their World Cup exit that he would retire from international duty.
Hazard then made the news public a short time later with a post on Instagram.
He 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.'
Hazard has suffered with injuries and inconsistent form ever since completing his move to Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2019.
The Athletic reported that despite his playing future at Real Madrid being uncertain, the Belgian will remain with Real Madrid until the end of his deal which runs until June 2024.
After meeting with his staff in Madrid last month to discus his future, Hazard and his team reached an agreement and have decided he wants to stay with Los Blancos for a variety of professional and personal reasons.
The forward penned a five-year deal when he arrived as the club's record signing back in 2019.
He is also their highest-paid player and given his recent form, it is unlikely that Hazard would command similar wages anywhere else.
biblo2
0
When l was reading this article l wanted to cry, l was asking myself that but why Hazard quit Chelsea he made a very big, l don't support Chelsea but he was my favorite player at Chelsea
Loscimnpu
0
Jammeh
Loscimnpu
0
Jamm
yutcklpstu
1
Is Hazard still playing football?
Kaaelnrstu
0
Belgium ain't winning anything kdb will retire after Euros, who will take them to glory, trossard Or doku🤣
O'Nana
Heeabceknu
1
Hypocrite. If you didn't really like it and you knew you did not merit a place, why didn't you retire before the world cup? Joker.
U are rather hypocrite.His country needed him at dat tym and he can ignore them and now he his making it clear to them😶
Heeabceknu
1
He is just lazy. Ibrahimovic at 40 is ready to play and play well for his country. a footballer in his thirties isn't too old to give out his best. that is even when you poses more experience on the field. Lazy Harzard.
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That's ur opinion he isn't lazy but injuries are worrying him
teeacdlpr
0
He is just lazy. Ibrahimovic at 40 is ready to play and play well for his country. a footballer in his thirties isn't too old to give out his best. that is even when you poses more experience on the field. Lazy Harzard.
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right
teeacdlpr
2
Belgium ain't winning anything kdb will retire after Euros, who will take them to glory, trossard Or doku🤣
Godwin Afatsawo
1
He should leave Madrid and Play for another club
Fuzacipsz
0
hazard for your own sake go to saudi
corday
1
this guy is still a football player
Gwinghltd
2
He is just lazy. Ibrahimovic at 40 is ready to play and play well for his country. a footballer in his thirties isn't too old to give out his best. that is even when you poses more experience on the field. Lazy Harzard.
rodadrst
1
Hypocrite. If you didn't really like it and you knew you did not merit a place, why didn't you retire before the world cup? Joker.
papabrains
0
Good & very sporty to accept when & where to drop the guns. The form itself has dwindled, & the best way not to denigrate a well acclaimed profile lucked nothing than calling it a quit. So bravo under that score & hope you replicate same at Madrid when the season ends cos there's no way you could be earning minutes to play.
kukdknoyz
0
Belgium didn't need you because you were unfit and fat. We all knew that.
Kelliho1-FCB
1
Hazard what’s happening to you
noyadlstz
2
Big flop
BarcaChelArg
1
Just that move, and everyone is left in awe!! then boom, retirement....?? What a sad ending my guy!!!
Lynx18
1
Nobody but hazard when Belgium 🇧🇪 calls him for World Cup
Lihbemnp
4
you will forever be my favorite footballer of all time, I will tell my kids about you, you made me love 💓 football