'Sh*t having to miss out' - Vivianne Miedema gives brutally honest insight into latest injury setback as Man City star fires back at critics 'telling her it's time to retire'

Miedema, who joined Manchester City from Arsenal last summer, saw her maiden campaign at Etihad Stadium cut short by a gruesome injury. During the international break in April, the striker featured for the Netherlands in a Nations League clash and even scored in her team's 3-1 win over Austria. But she couldn't continue until the full-time whistle, as she had to be subbed off due to an injury. City boss Nick Cushing later confirmed that the 28-year-old's season had prematurely ended due to the injury.

Taking to Instagram, the player shared an image of her undergoing rehab. In the caption, the Cityzens star wrote: "Some Wednesday afternoon thoughts. No fancy rehab picture this time. Just me on the Wattbike. For anyone asking how I am feeling at the moment: I am okay. I’ve been better, but definitely been worse. Sorry if I haven’t texted you back yet. It took me a couple of days to get my head around being injured again and to find the needed motivation to start rehab. Not because this is a massive injury or because it’s been extremely painful, but simply because it’s sh*t having to miss out on games again and not being able to help out the team anymore this season.

"I’ve been really impatient, and I want it to go quicker, but maybe that’s because I finally felt like myself again out there and I enjoyed being on the pitch even though games came quick and hard. All the more reason to come back even stronger and better for a big Summer. So, for the people telling me it’s time to retire: thank you very much for your well-meant and educated opinion. But I don’t care and it ain’t time yet.

Miedema also slammed the authorities for poor scheduling of matches, which is impacting the players' fitness. She added: "And I will say this over and over again, to the people in charge of the football calendar, it is time to realise the current schedule will need to change for players physical and mental safety. And last but not least, thank you for all your concern and get well soon messages, it is very much appreciated and gives me a lot of energy. Off to do some more Wattbike sessions now, and I’ll be back soon."

Manchester City will be back in action on Sunday in the Women's Super League as they take on Leicester City away from home.