Major update on Freddie Flintoff’s career as he continues recovery from horror Top Gear crash
FREDDIE Flintoff will join England Lions coaching staff for next month’s training camp in the United Arab Emirates, as he continues to recover from his horror crash.
The former England cricket captain, 45, was injured while filming Top Gear at the Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey last December.
The ex-Lancashire all-rounder was pictured with facial injuries for the first time in September while assisting the the England men’s cricket team ahead of their one-day series against New Zealand.
Flintoff also continued in a flexible role with the team before their game against Ireland last month.
The “brave” star then presented cricketer Tom Hartley with his cap for the England Cricket team.
In his speech, Flintoff praised the “family”-like team and said they will “be there for you in the hardest times of your life”.
He is now set to join the England Lions backroom staff on their trip to the UAE, which runs from November 16 to December 7, according to the Telegraph.
The England and Wales Cricket Board named their squad for the tour on Tuesday.
They added that “the coaching and mentoring group accompanying the party will be announced in due course”.
It comes after BBC said it had reached “an agreement” with Freddie following the near-fatal crash.
The Sun revealed that the settlement is worth £9million and both Flintoff and the BBC are “satisfied” with the agreement.
A source said: “Fred has been left utterly traumatised and shell-shocked by this entire episode.
“You cannot underestimate the physical and mental toll this crash had on him.
“He could have easily sued BBC Studios – and perhaps got considerably more from them – but instead agreed to settle privately, with as little animosity as possible.
“By the time Freddie returns to screens next year at the earliest, he will have lost out on almost two years earnings.
“Because of the surgeries he’s had, he may also have to turn down other work – or not be offered it in the first place – which also came into consideration when it came to the final offer.
“Fred is still very much on the road to recovery, however, and at the moment is purely focused on this, his England cricket coaching, and being with his family. For Fred, it’s never been about the money.”
A BBC Studios spokesperson said: “BBC Studios has reached an agreement with Freddie that we believe supports his continued rehabilitation, return to work and future plans.
“We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery.”