London, Sep 17 Former England cricketer Ian Botham has said that all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who has retired from Test cricket, has earned every right to enjoy his freedom after retirement.

"There comes a point in every person's life when they feel ready to take complete responsibility for what they can and cannot do, but not everyone is lucky enough to be able to enjoy that freedom," Botham wrote in his article in The Mirror.

"Fred is at that stage and he is exercising his freedom, not because he doesn't want to play for England, but because he wants to do what is right for him and his family," he added.

Botham further said that Flintoff's decision has not surprised him, rather he and Freddie had discussed the issue about retirement about a year ago.

"His body is falling apart, he cannot play five-day cricket any more and we don't even know how much one-day cricket he will be able to play until his rehabilitation from knee surgery is complete," Botham wrote.

"It is never an easy decision to say 'I'm giving up something I love doing', but that is the tough call that Fred has made because of the state of his body," he added.

Botham also made it clear that Flintoff loves playing for the country, and his inclination for England will never change. (ANI)