Japan female figure skating icon Mao Asada announced Monday on her blog that she is retiring.

The 26-year-old, three-time world champion and silver medalist at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, has been plagued by left-knee pain this season.

"I've made the decision to end my career as a figure skater," Asada wrote. "I've been able to skate this long and overcome so many obstacles thanks to the support and cheer I received from many people."

"I had the best performance and result during the world championship in the same season as the Sochi Olympics. Had I called it a day then, I might still have been hoping to return as a skater now," she wrote.

"There were many things I could only know by being a skater. After returning (to competition), I spent many times fretting about not being able to perform and get the result I wanted."

Asada won 15 titles in the Grand Prix series including four at the Finals, while winning six national championships.