Hazard Quits International Football

Following the team's World Cup elimination in the group round, Belgium's standout player Eden Hazard announced his retirement from international play on Wednesday. The 31-year-old forward for Real Madrid posted the announcement on social media with the caption "a page flips today."

I appreciate your unwavering support, he wrote on Instagram. "Thank you for sharing all of this joy with us since 2008. I've made the decision to discontinue my international career. The successors are prepared. You will be missed." Hazard served as the face of Belgium's lauded "golden generation," which advanced to the World Cup semifinals in Russia in 2018.

Hazard started Belgium's opening match of the tournament despite worries about his fitness, and Michy Batshuayi's goal gave them a slim victory against Canada. However, a shocking loss to Morocco and a goalless draw with Croatia caused Belgium to exit the competition in the group stages.

The ageing group placed third in Group F behind Morocco and Croatia, failing to advance past the opening round in Qatar. Hazard served as the face of Belgium's lauded "golden generation," which advanced to the World Cup semifinals in Russia in 2018. The ageing team finished third in Group F behind Morocco and Croatia, failing to advance past the opening round in Qatar.