Belgium skipper Eden Hazard has officially retired from international football.
This comes after Belgium were recently eliminated from the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The 31-year-old attacking midfielder took to socials to write an emotional letter to his nation and supporters about his decision to call it quits on the international stage.
Hazard made his international debut back in 2008 at the age of 17 and scored his first goal for Belgium just three years after he had made his debut.
The Real Madrid star had a fantastic 14-year-long career with the Belgian national team, having found the back of the net on 33 occasions in 126 caps.
HAZARD’S EMOTIONAL LETTER…
“A page turns today… Thank you for your love and your unparalleled support. Thank you for all this happiness shared since 2008,” He wrote on his official Instagram account.
“I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss guys so much.”
Hazard represented Belgium in three World Cups – 2014, 2018, and 2022.
He also featured in the UEFA Euro 2016 and UEFA Euro 2020 for his country.
And under his leadership as the national team’s captain, Belgium managed to rank number one on the FIFA men’s ranking for the first time.
His creativity, dribbling, passing and vision abilities make him stand out in the field of play.
Hazard is considered one of the best footballers of his generation in Belgium.
Meanwhile, the national team’s head coach Robert Martinez resigned following Belgium’s World Cup elimination.
FANS REACT…
One fan tweeted: “Injury prone this one, he has to, clubs are paying him huge salaries for nothing.
The other said:” Player of the year in French League 1, Premier League player of the season, young player of the season EPL and you tell me they are paying him for free. Only got injury prone at Madrid. Respect the man.
Another follower added: “Moment of frustration, he’s gonna come around and when he does he will change that decision just like Messi.”
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