CRICKET star Andrew Flintoff has retired, he announced today.

The all-rounder has not played since the final Ashes Test last summer and has seen a number of return dates come and go in his fight to overcome a chronic knee problem.

Announcing his decision to give up his fight with fitness, Flintoff, 32, said: “It is with both disappointment and sadness that I am today announcing my retirement from all forms of cricket.

“The decision to end my career came yesterday after consultation with medical advisers.

“I was told that the problems I have been trying to overcome in rehab for the last year following the latest in a series of operations would not recover sufficiently to allow a comeback.

“Having been told that my body would no longer stand up to the rigours of cricket, I had no alternative but to retire.”

He added. “I would like to thank my family, Lancashire Cricket Club, England, all my sponsors, friends and advisers for all the help and support they have given me throughout my career.

“Last, but by no means least, I am indebted to the encouragement and support I have always received from England’s magnificent supporters.

“I will now be taking a break before deciding which future direction to take.’’