One of Canada’s greatest footballers has stepped away from the game. Women’s national team legend Diana Matheson announced her retirement from soccer Wednesday, putting a wrap on a bicentennial capped career that fetched two Olympic Bronze medals. The 37-year-old, who spoke to OneSoccer about her decision with injuries being the main cause, was left off Bev Preitsman’s squad for the Tokyo Olympics but played a crucial role in Canada’s back-to-back Olympic podium finishes, including scoring the match-winning goal in the bronze medal game at London 2012. "The injuries have accumulated… my left foot gave way in December and there’s no coming back from that, unfortunately," Matheson told OneSoccer’s Andi Petrillo. "My body sent me some clear signals that I’m done." Matheson made 206 appearances and 181 starts for Canada’s senior women’s side with her first cap coming in 2003. She was part of a golden generation of players, alongside the likes of Sophie Schmidt and Christine Sinclair, that put the national team among some of the best in the world. Matheson played every minute of the London 2012. In terms of club football, Matheson stands as one of the first Canadians to feature in UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2009-10 and went on to play for Washington Spirit, Toronto Inferno, Ottawa Fury, Seattle Reign, and the Utah Royals/Kansas City. "Diana has had a massive impact on Canada’s women’s program," said Canada coach Bev Priestman. "Not only has she been a great leader for this team both on and off the pitch, she also inspired an entire nation during her incredible career. The winning goal at the London 2012 Olympic Games will forever be a turning point moment in the history of this program. We all wish her the best in her next adventure." She scored 19 goals and notched 25 assists for the women’s side – her last goal coming in her last professional game on March 10, 2020. Canada players currently in preparation for the Tokyo Games released the following video after Matheson’s retirement. "Your shoes may be small but they left big footprints on our hearts and on women’s soccer in Canada," fellow +200-capped midfielder Schmidt said.

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