Derbyshire captain Luke Sutton has announced his retirement with immediate effect.
Skipper to focus on family and business
Derbyshire captain Luke Sutton has announced his retirement with immediate effect.
The 35-year-old, who also played for Somerset and Lancashire, made a total of 176 first-class appearances; with a best innings of 151 not out against Yorkshire in 2006.
However Sutton suffered from depression during the 2011 campaign - and although he is 'positive' about his future, he has decided the time is right to quit.
Sutton, who is the co-founder and director of sports agency Activate Sport, said: "I have been aware for some time that I have problems with certain aspects of my mental health.
"I have always pushed myself to the limit but I reached a point that it was having an adverse effect on my relationships with my family and colleagues, and my health in general.
Positive
"Although as a professional sportsman it is extremely embarrassing to admit to a weakness, I'm proud to have found the strength of character to seek treatment, enabling me now to feel extremely positive about my future.
"I've had a brilliant time over my 14 years in the game, and a number of other important reasons have led me to decide to retire.
"In addition to concerns about my own health, my two-year-old daughter has recently been diagnosed with diabetes and the growing success and, therefore, pressure of my business has forced me to take a long look at my future.
"I've recently undergone hand surgery which has also played its part in this decision. Upon reflection, and although a difficult decision, it is the right time to move on."
