A Page Turns Today: Hazard Retires From International Football

At the age of 31, Belgium’s playmaker Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international competition.

At the age of 17, Hazard, an offensive midfielder or winger, made his Belgium debut. He went on to earn 126 caps and score 33 goals.

His choice follows Belgium’s elimination from the World Cup in the group stages. On that note, the Real Madrid player said:

“A page turns today, Thank you for your love [and] for your unparalleled support.”

Meanwhile, on social media, he added that “Thank you for all this happiness since 2008. I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you.”

Hazard’s International Journey

Hazard was a member of the team that advanced to the 2018 World Cup semifinals, losing 1-0 to France, then beating England to place third.

He entered the game as a substitute against Luxembourg to make his debut and become the eighth-youngest player for his nation.

After that, he played in three World Cups, and two European Championships, and led the team 56 times.

Hazard participated in each of Belgium’s three World Cup games in Qatar, although the team only managed one goal—in a 1-0 victory over Canada. They drew 0-0 with Croatia and lost 2-0 to Morocco.

His Transfer To Madrid

For an estimated £150 million, Hazard transferred from Chelsea to Real Madrid in 2019. During his seven years at Stamford Bridge, he won the Europa League twice, the FA Cup once, the EFL Cup once, and the Premier League twice.

Injury setbacks have limited Hazard’s time in Spain, but since his arrival, Real Madrid has won two La Liga championships and the Champions League, even though Hazard was not used as a substitute in May’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the final.

As a matter of fact, he has played just six times for Carlo Ancelotti’s club so far this year.

Conclusion

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