Eden Hazard retires from international football after Belgium's World Cup exit

Eden Hazard has announced his decision to retire from international football in the wake of Belgium’s early World Cup exit.

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The 31-year-old was capped 126 times by Belgium, while his last appearance for the national team came as a late substitute in the 0-0 draw with Croatia last week, which resulted in his side being eliminated at the group stage.

Hazard had struggled for playing time ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, starting just two games for Real Madrid since the season started in August.

And now Hazard has made the decision to focus solely on club football for the remainder of his career.

A post from Hazard on Instagram read: ‘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.’

According to Belgian newspaper HLN, Hazard discussed the idea of retiring with his Belgium teammates in the aftermath of their World Cup exit last Thursday.

The report claims that Hazard had been considering the option of retiring from international football since the beginning of the season, and Belgium’s dismal showing in Qatar did little to change his mind.

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