I’m going to miss you’: Eden Hazard of Belgium retires from international football

Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international duty following Belgium’s exit from the group stage at the World Cup in Qatar. The 31-year-old announced the decision on his social media accounts less than a week after his side were knocked out in a goalless draw against Croatia.

Hazard, who made his debut for Belgium in 2008 aged 17, wrote: “A page turned today… thank you for the love. Thank you for your support like never before. Thank you for all the happiness shared since 2008 I have decided to end my international career. The legacy is ready. I will miss you.”

The Real Madrid winger has 126 caps, scored 33 goals and captained his country 56 times. However, he played a minor role during the World Cup season, playing an hour in the win against Canada and loss against Morocco and coming on in the last three minutes and injury time of the game against Croatia.

Hazard made 245 appearances for Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, helping the Stamford Bridge club to two Premier League titles and two Europa League triumphs.

His Belgian team-mate Kevin De Bruyne wrote on Twitter: “What a trip. Congratulations Cappi. We’ll miss you!”