WEST HAM midfielder Lucienne Reichardt will retire at the end of the season, choosing to return to the Netherlands to be a psychologist.

The 28-year-old has spent a season with the Hammers, joining from Ajax where she won two league titles.

Unable to repeat that success with West Ham, she did make 11 appearances in the Women’s Super League and was an unused substitute in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

However, Reichardt has decided that Saturday’s home match against Brighton will not only be her last in claret and blue, but as a player as she embarks on “a big chance” and “big opportunity.”

She said: “I have made the decision to retire at the end of the season. 

“It hasn’t been an easy decision to make. It was one that I had to think about a lot and it was made harder by the fact that I have genuinely loved and enjoyed my time with West Ham.

“I’m 28 now and I’ve had to think about my career after football. I have been given the opportunity to take a job as a psychologist that starts this summer back in the Netherlands. For me, it is a big opportunity and I spoke a lot with my family about it. 

“Taking everything into consideration, I believe this is a big chance for me and the best decision I can make at this point in my life.”

Despite having only spent a year of a footballing career at Rush Green, Reichardt admitted that she will be a lifelong Hammer.

“I’m so proud of the titles I’ve won in my career and the finals I have reached,” Reichardt reflected. “I am proud to say I’ve played for and against the best teams in the countries I’ve played in, such as Saturday’s FA Cup Final. 

“I’m definitely a West Ham fan for life. This is my team in England. I will miss everyone here and want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has made my time with West Ham so enjoyable.”

West Ham wished her the best in her future endeavours and congratulated the midfielder “on her fantastic achievements in football.”