TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Eden Hazard announced his retirement from Belgian national team at the age of 31 on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, after the FIFA second-placed team were eliminated in the group stage World Cup 2022 Qatar. Hazard, anchor of Belgium’s ‘golden generation’, played in all three games but failed to score as Belgium beat Canada, lost to Morocco and drew with Croatia to finish third of group F.

The striker made his senior debut in 2008 and scored 33 goals in 126 appearances. He led Belgium to their best ever World Cup result in 2018 in Russia when they finished third.

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

“A page is turned today. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your unparalleled support. Thank you for all the happiness shared since 2008. I will miss you.”

Belgium lost to eventual champions France four years ago in the semi-finals and beat England in the third-place game, but they couldn’t find that spark in Qatar and were knocked out. in a disappointing result.

Hazard has joined Belgian manager Roberto Martinez in retiring from the national team after a dismal season in which they scored just one goal in three games. Belgium have made more headlines for their off-field altercations than for their football.

Hazard, who has won the Premier League and Europa League twice among other top honors in seven seasons at Chelsea, has struggled since joining real Madrid in 2019.

He won Champions League and two La Liga titles but scored just seven goals in all competitions during his time with the side in the Spanish capital.

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Reuters