The 40-year-old underwent hip surgery earlier this year but was planning to play one more season with Dynamo Pardubice in the Czech Extraliga. 

However, he was not ready for the start of the season, which was then disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Rolinek has decided now is the right time for him to retire. 

"It’s not a spur-of-the-moment decision; it’s something that’s been building inside me for a long time in the run-up to the season," he said.

"After a successful operation, after which I was in good health, I thought I was coming back. 

"But due to COVID-19, all the measures and the subsequent lack of on-ice training, I realized that I could not be 100 per cent ready for the season."

During his career, Rolinek played for the Czech Republic at the Men's Ice Hockey World Championship seven times and was captain three times. 

He led the team to victory at the 2010 World Championships, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Russia in the final.

Rolinek also earned a world silver in 2006 and bronze in 2011. 

He was part of the Czech Olympic ice hockey team which finished seventh at Vancouver 2010.

"Our team is losing a legendary hockey player who has had a lot of success," said Dynamo Pardubice owner Petr Dedek.