Former Germany international, FIFA Women’s World Cup winner and Olympic gold medal winner Melanie Behringer has announced she will retire at the end of the season.

Top scorer and captain at Rio de Janeiro 2016, she hung up her international jersey the last time, with the 33-year-old now planning to do the same with her Bayern Munich one in May.

“I am immensely grateful for everything that I have experienced during these years and how many great people I have met,” the two-time UEFA Women’s EURO winner said. “It was a privilege for me to play football at the highest level. Now comes a new phase of life, which I am very happy about."

Recurrent knee problems are what have caused the Germany 2007 winner to bring her 16-year career to an end, following almost 500 professional games, featuring two German titles with Bayern, and 127 goals so far.

"It is a great shame that Melanie Behringer has to end her career. She has accomplished outstanding achievements for German women's football and attained great successes at Bayern and the German national team," said Bayern President Uli Hoeness. "Her commitment and ability to lead a team is exemplary and we wish Melanie Behringer all the best for the future."