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Belgium’s Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international football after his side were surprisingly knocked out in the group stages of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Real Madrid attacker announced his decision on social media, just a week after Belgium’s 0-0 draw with Croatia in Qatar saw them out of the World Cup. The side’s knock-out was a shock to fans, who had hoped Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ would make one last attempt at winning a major trophy.
Hazard made his debut for the senior international side at just 17 in 2008 but had not been in great form at the 2022 World Cup. He has scored 33 goals at the international level in 126 appearances, where he captained the side 56 times.
“A page turns today… thank you for your love,” the forward posted.
“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”.
Hazard Confirms Retirement on Instagram
Reports of Unhappiness with Hazard
Last week, a report emerged that claimed that some Belgium players felt that their manager, Roberto Martinez, was “gutless” for keeping Hazard in the starting lineup. The manager was criticized for “showing too much loyalty” to the ex-Chelsea star, who has struggled with injuries since his move to Madrid and not been at his best for his country. It was claimed that teammates felt that Leandro Trossard or Jermey Doku should have started in front of the “fading” 31-year old Hazard.
Also reported were claims of a training ground bust up between Hazard and some Belgium players. Apparently, Hazard clashed with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Anderlecht’s Jan Vertonghen after a disagreement at practice. The player was forced to speak to the media to calm talk of trouble in the Belgium camp before their fatal Croatia game. He told the media there was no dressing room disagreement.
“We had a good talk among the players,” Hazard told the media, “A lot has been said. We talked for an hour about good things and less good things.
“Now we want to win against Croatia,” he said “We now have two days to prepare, we have to be ready.
“Nothing happened in the dressing room, only the coach (Martinez) spoke,” the winger revealed, “I spoke to Kevin De Bruyne, he does believe in the group.”
Surprisingly, the star forward did not show total belief in his team. He revealed that he thought the team were better previously although he claimed they still had a chance at the World Cup.
“To be fair I think we had a better chance to win four years ago,” he stated, “The team was better four years ago but still we have the quality to win games and to win the competition.”
Hazard has made six appearances for his club, Real Madrid, so far this season. He has played three times in La Liga though he has not got many minutes. In the Champions League, Hazard has also appeared three times, scoring once and assisting once in Madrid’s 3-0 win over Celtic.
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