Mark Footitt rejoins Nottinghamshire after leaving Surrey due to 'personal and family issues'

Mark Footitt has rejoined Nottinghamshire after Surrey confirmed the fast bowler left the club due to "personal and family issues".

The club issued a statement which said they had reluctantly agreed to release the 31-year-old as he has been unable to settle in London away from his partner and daughter.

Footitt, who signed for Surrey in October 2015 after leaving Derbyshire, said he was "hugely appreciative" of the club's decision to release him from his contract. He has now decided to make the move back to Trent Bridge - the place where he made his first-class debut after coming through the academy.

"When I signed for Surrey CCC, I looked forward to a long and successful career at the Kia Oval. However, I've not been able to settle in London, away from my partner and my daughter," Footitt told www.kiaoval.com.

"We have really struggled being apart and my relocation to London has meant I have been away from family support. We have tried to solve these problems for a long time without success, and have therefore had to ask for my release from Surrey.

"I am extremely grateful to Surrey, and Alec Stewart in particular, for their understanding of this situation which is not one I ever envisaged happening - and am hugely appreciative of their decision to allow me to leave and be back with my family.

"I would also like to thank the Surrey supporters for the backing I have received over the last two seasons. I wish the club, players, staff, members and fans nothing but the best going forward."

Surrey director of cricket, Alec Stewart, added: "Due to the personal and family issues being suffered by Mark, Surrey have reluctantly agreed to release him from his contract with immediate effect.

"A great deal of time, thought and consideration has gone into this decision but when Mark made it clear he could no longer continue with the situation, we agreed that this would be the best course of action."

Notts director of cricket Mick Newell told the club's official website: "Mark wants to come back and play his cricket in the east midlands, so we're very pleased to have the opportunity to sign him and welcome him back to Trent Bridge.

"He's obviously blossomed as a cricketer since he was last here, and we believe he can help us go where we want to go for the rest of this season and in the following two seasons at least."