Andrew Flintoff reveals his deprression and alcohol dependence during 2006-07

England's former all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has revealed that he was suffering with depression during the 2006-7 Ashes whitewash in Australia, and that he was drinking too much during the 2007 World Cup and wanted to retire.

Andrew Flintoff suffered depression during 2006/7 Ashes

Flintoff was England's captain when they were whitewashed 5-0 by hosts Australia in the 2006/07 Ashes, before 2006 Christmas Eve.

"I was having a quiet drink with my dad Colin on Christmas Eve 2006 and as we made our way home I started crying my eyes out. I told him I'd tried my best but that I couldn't do it any more, I couldn't keep playing.

"We talked and, of course, I dusted myself down and carried on. But I was never the same player again. I was captain of England and financially successful. Yet instead of walking out confidently to face Australia in one of the world's biggest sporting events, I didn't want to get out of bed, never mind face people."

Talking about the 2007 World Cup he said, "The whole time I was on the field and throughout that World Cup all I could think about was that I wanted to retire.

"I didn't understand what was happening to me. I knew when I got back to my room I couldn't shut off, which is why I started having a drink. It got to the stage where I was probably drinking more than I should.

"All I wanted was for the doctor to tell me what was wrong but no one suggested it was depression. There's a certain sense of shame when I remember sitting in the dressing room after winning a one-day international in the West Indies. The lads were celebrating and I didn't want to be a part of it, I didn't want to do anything but sit on my own in the corner."