Former Nadeshiko Japan striker Karina Maruyama is set to hang up her boots at the end of the upcoming season, she said Saturday in a post on her Twitter account.
"I'm making this year my last," wrote the 32-year-old, who scored the extra-time winner against host nation Germany in the 2011 World Cup quarterfinals en route to Japan's maiden trophy in the tournament.
"Last year (Homare) Sawa-san retired and (Ayumi) Kaihori as well just days ago . . . It's really sad but the day of retirement will come for anyone," wrote Speranza FC Osaka Takatsuki forward Maruyama, referring to her recently retired former Nadeshiko teammates. "I'm giving all I have this year."
Maruyama was left out of the World Cup squad last summer in Canada. She was in the squad for the 2003 tournament as well as the last three Olympics.