Czech basketball star Eva Nemcova has called time on her career after struggling against a series of injuries.

Nemcova had considered retirement from the game three years ago due to a knee injury but she returned to the court with great success, leading the Czech Republic to the 2005 EuroBasket Women title last September.

She averaged 11 points over the tournament and buried a three-pointer with just eight seconds in a thrilling gold-medal match to give the Czechs a 72-70 win over Russia.

This year’s FIBA EuroCup Women saw Nemcova struggle on for Italian club Parma despite suffering with a hamstring injury.

But the 33-year-old has confirmed that the game on January 12 against Anda Ramat Hasharon, who eliminated Parma from the competition, was her last.

“Every sportsperson knows when to finish,” she said. “I still have big problems with my hamstring and this injury helped me make my decision.

“Other reasons are loss of motivation and mental fatigue.”

Nemcova spent her best years with French side Bourges, where she was part of their EuroLeague Women-winning team of 1997 and 1998.

She was named European Player of the Year in 1996 and also appeared in the WNBA for Cleveland.

“I spent 14 years in basketball at the highest level and I would like to stay with this sport, although I do not know in what role that will be,” she added.

Czech national team coach Jan Bobrovsky said: “I thought she would help us in the World Championship after her very good performances in the European Championship in Ankara.

“On the other hand, I understand her decision. She is at an age when she wants to have a family. I wish her all the best in her personal life.”