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Thursday, April 25, 2024  
16 Shawwal 1445  

Belgium star Hazard retires from international football

The Red Devils were dumped out from FIFA World Cup in the group stage
Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP

Belgium star Eden Hazard announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday, days after the team crashed out of the World Cup in the group stage.

The Real Madrid forward, 31, made the announcement on social media, saying “a page turns today”.

His retirement means that he will not be available for another qualification cycle ahead of the 2024 European Championships and after that, the 2026 World Cup.

Hazard’s decision came just six days after Belgium’s group-stage elimination in Qatar. He served the Red Devils for 14 years, and he now puts his sole focus on breathing new life into his Real Madrid career.

“Thank you for your unparalleled support,” he wrote on social media. “Thank you for all the joyful moments we have shared since 2008. Today I decided to put an end to my career as an international. The next generation is ready. I’m going to miss you so much.”

Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reported that the striker had discussed the intention of retiring from the national team with his teammates in the immediate aftermath of their final group match against Croatia.

His last appearance for the country came against Croatia when he came on as an 87th-minute substitute.

He made his Belgium debut at the age of 17, coming on against Luxembourg on November 19, 2008.

Hazard went on to win 126 international caps, scoring 33 goals and adding 36 assists. Hazard wore the captain’s armband 56 times for his country.

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