Hockey star Ireen van den Assem has decided to really stop at Orange now. The 32-year-old from Tilburg had already put an end to her international career in October. At the beginning of this year, she returned at the request of the interim national coach. After three extra international matches, she stops just before the World Cup. “I’ve been honest with myself. It feels different, very different, than a year ago.”
The announcement to retire just before the World Cup is surprising. “Maybe it seems crazy to decide that just before a selection moment. But for me it was the best moment,” she says in an interview with hockey.nl†
Van den Assem, who is struggling with a chronic Achilles tendon injury, played her last international match against England at the beginning of June. She helped Orange to victory with a goal and an assist. “It’s good. Now I can stop with my head held high and a big smile.”
Van den Assem became European champion twice with the Orange and also world champion in 2018. She missed last year’s Olympics through injury.
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