Eden Hazard hangs up his Belgium boots

Belgium star Eden Hazard announced his retirement from international soccer on Wednesday.

The announcement comes just about a week after Belgium’s shocking group stage exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Hazard wrote on social media: “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 next generation is ready. I will miss you”.

Making his debut at the age of 17 in 2008, Hazard made 126 appearances for Belgium.

He captained Belgium 56 times and scored 33 goals for the national team.

He is second only to Romelu Lukaku in the goal scoring charts for Belgium.

The news of his retirement from international soccer doesn’t come as a surprise.

Truth is, Hazard has not looked quite as in shape as he was in his Chelsea days, neither for Real Madrid nor for Belgium.

Martinez also announced he would be leaving his role as the Belgium head coach.

Belgium are now expected to fill his two roles as technical director and head coach separately.

Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal is a potential candidate for the job of Belgium’s national coach.