Lieke Martens retires from Dutch women's football
Dutch forward ruled out of Euro 2022 with foot injury
Dutch superstar bids farewell to international stage
The Hague (AFP) - Dutch women's football star Lieke Martens has announced her retirement from international football, just days before the start of the European Championship.
The 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward, who was named FIFA's best player in 2017, has been ruled out of the tournament in England with a foot injury.
"It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to retire from international football," Martens said in a statement on Tuesday.
"I have always given my all for my country and I am proud of what we have achieved together. However, my body can no longer handle the demands of international football."
Martens made her debut for the Netherlands in 2011 and has gone on to win 140 caps, scoring 58 goals.
She was a key member of the team that won the European Championship in 2017 and was also part of the squad that finished second at the 2019 World Cup.
Martens' retirement is a major blow to the Netherlands, who are one of the favourites to win Euro 2022.
The tournament gets underway on Wednesday, with the Netherlands facing Sweden in their opening match.
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