Football News : Belgium captain Eden Hazard retires from international football

Eden Hazard, the captain of Belgium, has declared his immediate retirement from international competition. The 31-year-old, who made 126 appearances and contributed 33 goals and 36 assists, is recognised as one of the country's all-time greatest players.

Since the Red Devils were ousted before the knockout rounds of the World Cup, the Real Madrid playmaker has recently participated in a disjointed World Cup campaign.

Despite narrowly defeating Canada in their opening game, Belgium struggled, and after suffering a shocking loss to Morocco and a goalless draw with Croatia, they were forced to settle for third place in Group F.

Although he started the first two games, Hazard was benched for the third, and he made his debut in the 87th minute of a vital encounter against the 2018 runners-up, capping an uneventful career for his nation.

Writing on his Instagram page, Hazard said:

"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."

After a 14-year international career, Hazard ends his Belgium journey, finishing fourth on his nation's all-time list with 126 caps.

Even though Hazard's 33 goals are fewer than half as many as Romelu Lukaku's 68, the former Chelsea star is only second to Lukaku in terms of goals scored.

As many as 23 of Hazard's 126 appearances have occurred at the World Cup or European Championship, where he contributed four goals and nine assists.

But ever since Hazard left Chelsea for Real in 2019 for a transfer fee that theoretically might have reached €150 million, his career has been on the decline.

Hazard has played just 14 minutes of football for Los Blancos since the middle of October, and he has only made 72 appearances for the Spanish powerhouses in over three and a half years.

Hazard has ruled out leaving in January, but with fewer than 19 months left on his contract, he will eventually leave the Bernabeu.

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