Belgium captain Eden Hazard announced retirement from international football, days after his team's group-stage exit at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
The 31-year-old forward, who was suffering from fitness issues, played in all three Group F games but did not score as Belgium beat Canada, lost to Morocco and played out a goalless draw with Croatia to finish third.
In fact, Belgium scored only one goal in three matches.
They are facing the breakup of its talented but underachieving squad after failing to live up to its status as the second-ranked team and one of the tournament favourites. What has long been called Belgium's Golden Generation - now featuring six players with more than 100 appearances - is set to split with the World Cup semifinal appearance in 2018 as its peak. The team has faced reports of infighting and divisions between players during the tournament in Qatar.
Hazard made his international debut in 2008 and scored 33 times in 126 appearances. He helped Belgium reach the 2018 World Cup semifinals, where they lost to eventual champions France, but beat England in the third-placed playoff.
"I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready," Hazard wrote on Instagram. "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 will miss you."
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez had stepped down from his role on Thursday following the disappointing campaign in Qatar.
