Eden Hazard reveals why he ‘didn’t like’ playing for Belgium at the World Cup

Eden Hazard has admitted that he ‘didn’t like’ playing for Belgium at the World Cup over their more ‘deserving’ new generation of players.

The former Chelsea star started Belgium’s first two games at the tournament in Qatar, as they crashed out at the group stage.

This is despite him featuring for Los Blancos only seven times this season, with just three starts in all competitions.

In an interview with Belgian publication, HLN, Hazard revealed that he made his decision to retire after the World Cup, following the European Championships in 2021.

He said: ‘I knew for some time that I would stop after the World Cup. The performance in Qatar was not decisive for my decision. Of course it is a pity how it turned out, but my decision was made in advance. It was just time to stop.

Eden Hazard retired from international duty after the World Cup, and has admitted that he didn’t like playing in Qatar over a ‘deserving’ new generation of Belgium players

His starts for Belgium came despite him rarely featuring for his club Real Madrid

‘I first started thinking about it after the European Championships. I had done my best to be fit in time after my ankle injury. Unfortunately, I couldn’t play in the quarter-final loss to Italy and that really made a mental difference.

‘I also play football in Madrid with Toni Kroos. He quit the German national team two years ago and he told me that when others have international commitments, he could take advantage of that time to enjoy with his family.’

Hazard also insisted he felt that a ‘new generation’ of Belgian players were more deserving to play at the World Cup than him.

He added: ‘Meanwhile, new guys knocked on the door with the national team. Not playing at Real, then joining the Red Devils and playing football. I didn’t like that, especially because the new generation deserves to play.’

The 32-year-old also said in his interview that he told his team-mates on the bus following their World Cup exit that he would retire from international duty.

Hazard then made the news public a short time later with a post on Instagram.

He wrote: ‘A page turns today… Thank you for your love. Thank you for your unparalleled support. 

Hazard started two games in Qatar as Belgium crashed out of the group stage 

His time at Real Madrid since arriving has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent form

‘Thank you for all this happiness shared since 2008. I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you.’

Hazard has suffered with injuries and inconsistent form ever since completing his move to Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2019. 

The Athletic reported that despite his playing future at Real Madrid being uncertain, the Belgian will remain with Real Madrid until the end of his deal which runs until June 2024.

After meeting with his staff in Madrid last month to discus his future, Hazard and his team reached an agreement and have decided he wants to stay with Los Blancos for a variety of professional and personal reasons.

The forward penned a five-year deal when he arrived as the club’s record signing back in 2019.

He is also their highest-paid player and given his recent form, it is unlikely that Hazard would command similar wages anywhere else.