dpa
Doha
Belgium captain Eden Hazard has retired from the national team in the wake of last week’s group stage exit at the World Cup in Qatar.
"A page turns today,” Hazard said on Instagram Wednesday. "I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you.
"Thank you for your love. Thank you for your unparalleled support.
Thank you for all this happiness shared since 2008.” Hazard, 31, helped Belgium finish third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia but the golden generation team around himself, Kevin de Bruyne, Thibault Courtois and Romelu Lukaku then failed to deliver in what was seen as their last chance at the tournament in Qatar.
A major rebuild is now expected and will also feature a new coach as Roberto Martinez has stepped down.
Hazard has been plagued by injuries in recent years, only rarely plays at his club Real Madrid, and was far from his form in Qatar. He won 126 caps, scoring 33 goals.