EDEN HAZARD has revealed why he “didn’t like” playing for Belgium at the 2022 World Cup.
The 32-year-old captained the Red Devils in Qatar despite having made just six appearances for Real Madrid prior to the tournament.
But, he recently admitted that he didn’t actually enjoy playing because he believed that the “new generation” of Belgium players were more deserving.
In an interview with Belgian outlet HLN, Hazard said: “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.”
Following Belgium’s shock World Cup group stage exit, Hazard announced his retirement from international football.
Read More on Football
But while many fans believed that this was down to his country’s failed Cup campaign, the former Chelsea star claimed that he made the decision after the European Championships in 2021.
He added: “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.
“I first started thinking about it after the European Championships. I had done my best to be fit in time after my ankle injury.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
“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 joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in a huge £88.5million transfer almost four years ago.
But he has failed to make an impact at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The winger has scored just seven goals in 73 appearances for Los Blancos since making the switch from Stamford Bridge.
But he remains the highest paid player at the club.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
