Eden Hazard Officially Retires From International Football

The playmaker for Belgium, Eden Hazard, announced his retirement from international football at the age of 31.

Hazard, an attacking midfielder or winger, made his Belgium debut at the age of 17. Over the years, he accrued 126 caps and scored 33 goals.

Following Belgium's group-stage elimination at the World Cup, he made a decision.

"A page turns today," said the Real Madrid player. "Thank you for your love [and] for your unparalleled support."

He added on social media: "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 played for the group that made it to the 2018 World Cup semifinals, lost to France 1-0, and then defeated England to finish third.

On Thursday, manager Roberto Martinez made his resignation known in the wake of Belgium's World Cup loss.