Eden Hazard announces retirement from international football following Belgium's FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign

Eden Hazard has called it time in international football after Belgium's average show at the FIFA World Cup 2022

Source: Twitter

Belgium's Eden Hazard has called time from international football following his country's disappointing campaign at the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar. Belgium was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2022 after a 0-0 draw against Croatia on December 1, where he started on the bench. Hazard led his side in the first two group-stage games. The Real Madrid winger has been struggling with injuries since his arrival at the Spanish club. Currently, 31, Hazard's future at Real Madrid is also not secure due to his fitness issues and injuries.

All the best, captain.  #MerciEden pic.twitter.com/Rsa0Mwf18T — Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) December 7, 2022

"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….#onestensemble," wrote the 31-year-old announcing his retirement.

Hazard has now joined Belgium coach Roberto Martinez, who also resigned from the national team after the disappointing campaign in the Qatar tournament. Notably, Belgium only scored once in their three group stage games in the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Talking about his club career, Hazard has won the Premier League during his time with Chelsea along with Europa League (2 times). Moreover, the talented winger has also won two LaLiga titles with his current club Real Madrid and a Champions League. However, since his move to Real Madrid in 2019, Eden Hazard has struggled with injuries and fitness.

Belgium was eliminated from the tournament after a 0-0 draw with Croatia, which advanced as the second-place team in Group F behind Morocco. Hazard failed to score in the group stage.

Minutes after the game, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez announced he would be leaving his role after more than six years, a decision he said he had reached before the tournament started. Martinez's exit coincides with the likely breakup of Belgium's "Golden Generation," an era featuring standout attacking players like Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. (With PTI inputs)