The 32-year-old ex-Manchester United forward feels he will be unable to perform for both club and country in future and has chosen to focus all his energies on the former.

Van Nistelrooy struck 33 goals in 64 appearances over the past decade for the Oranje.

"After I looked again at the programmes of Real Madrid and Oranje, I came to the conclusion that I had to make a choice, because of the necessary physical effort to achieve the maximum at this level," he said.

"The combination of on the one hand the league, cup and Champions League games of Real Madrid and on the other hand the programme of the Dutch national team is too heavy a burden. I have no other choice."

Van Nistelrooy initially retired in January 2007 after being omitted from the Holland squad by former coach Marco van Basten, following a disappointing 2006 World Cup campaign.

But after bridges were built between the pair, Van Nistelrooy returned to the international fold and scored twice at Euro 2008 as the Dutch reached the quarter-finals.

Van Nistelrooy has not taken the decision to retire from the international scene lightly.

"Of course, you don't decide it in one second," he said.

"I had a very fine tournament with Oranje and I look back at that with a good feeling."

New Holland coach Bert van Marwijk is surprised and disappointed about Van Nistelrooy's decision to make himself unavailable - but understands the reasons behind his choice.

"I have spoken in length with Ruud and I cannot do anything else than respect his decision," said Van Marwijk.

"Of course, I find it regrettable that I cannot make use of his qualities and international experience when I compose the Oranje selection."

Van Nistelrooy joined Madrid from United in 2006 and has helped the capital club win the Primera Liga title in each of the last two seasons.