To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Not now
OK
Advert
Advert
Advert

Freddie Flintoff’s friend explains star’s absence following ‘horrific’ injuries

Nasir Jabbar

Published 
| Last updated 

Freddie Flintoff’s friend explains star’s absence following ‘horrific’ injuries

Steve Harmison has explained why Freddie Flintoff decided to stay out of the spotlight after suffering a horrific crash on Top Gear.

The cricket legend suffered facial injuries and a broken rib following an accident at Top Gear's Dunsfold Park studios last December, where he had been driving a three-wheel Morgan Super 3 for the BBC show.

He's been recovering in private ever since and was seen in public for the first time in almost a year during England's one-day international against New Zealand at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

Loading…

Advert

Speaking to LBC, the former fast bowler touched on Flintoff's 'horrific' injuries, revealing he paid him a visit during rehab.

"I saw him during his rehab and his son, and my son played cricket together and Andrew was just starting to come out of the house and back into the world," he said.

"We all knew the love and affection for him would be there, but it's easier said than done for someone in his position.

"For me, that was the hardest part - everybody said it would be great to see him in cricket again, but he didn't want to come out in public.

Advert

"The minute he did, we knew that he really wanted to."

Freddie Flintoff helps with the warm-up. Image: Getty
Freddie Flintoff helps with the warm-up. Image: Getty

Harmison continued by revealing that the 45-year-old 'needed his own time' as he recovered from his injuries.

"It was about his own confidence, and it was great to see him back with a smile on his face," he added.

Advert

"He's gone through a hell of a lot, he really has. It was a huge ordeal, and nobody can understand what somebody goes through inside.

"Having suffered from mental health issues, I know that people who don't understand will try to give advice, and that can cause more harm than help.

"Andrew has probably had loads of people wishing him well and asking how he is, but sometimes that's harmful.

"Andrew needed his own time, he's taken it, and now he's back. It's brilliant to see. Some of the injuries he had were pretty horrific."

Advert

SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated news channel to send you the latest news, features and plenty more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here HERE for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Cricket

Nasir Jabbar
More like this
Advert
Advert
Advert

Chosen for YouChosen for You

Football

Jude Bellingham created Real Madrid history vs Napoli that not even Cristiano Ronaldo managed

17 minutes ago

Most Read StoriesMost Read

What do Man Utd need to do to qualify for Champions League knockouts after Galatasaray draw

15 hours ago