Eden Hazard retires from international football after Belgium’s World Cup exit

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.

Hazard, the anchor of Belgium’s “golden generation”, played in all three games but did not score as Belgium beat Canada, lost to Morocco and had to settle for a goalless draw with Croatia to finish third in Group F.

Hazard made his international debut in 2008 and scored 33 times in 126 appearances. He helped Belgium reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, where they lost to eventual champions France, and beat England in the third-placed playoff.

“I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready,” Hazard wrote on Instagram.

“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 will miss you.”

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez stepped down from his role on Thursday following a disappointing tournament in Qatar for the team ranked second in the world.