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.

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.

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

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.

"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."

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