Andrew Flintoff Reveals How Viagra Ran Him Out During a Test Match

Andrew Flintoff has revealed how the 'performance'-enhancing Viagra left him embarrassed during a Test match. One of England's best-ever all-rounders, Flintoff has made some startling revelations in his new book, Second Innings.(Flintoff Says he Was Never Attached to IPL)

Flintoff's playing days were often marred by behavioural indiscretions but the Viagra incident was one of the lowest points in a brilliant career. He retired in 2009 and remains a man of intense contradictions.

"It started with an article my ex sold to the News of the World," Flintoff told the Daily Mail.

"It wasn't very complimentary about my 'performance', if you get my meaning.

"So I decided I had to put that myth to bed even though I was in the middle of a Test match.

"I took three Viagra one night and didn't realise how long they lasted. Trying to bat the next day in that state was not easy. I was run out, simply because I couldn't move. I could only hop. It wasn't worth it, either. Complete waste of time."

One of the greatest characters of the game, Flintoff, who even tried his hand at professional boxing, said he had "sleepless" nights trying to fight off mental demons. Freddie, as he was fondly known by teammates, was diagnosed with depression in 2012.

"Cricket gave me sleepless nights," Flintoff has admitted. "David Lloyd (the former England and Lancashire coach) once told me never to put my helmet on until I got to the batting square.

"Let them see your eyes. Walk out as if you own the place. And that's what I always did. The truth is that I never felt like I owned anything. It was all an act. I was just scared."

Flintoff, who fought off alcoholism, still suffers from bouts of depression. His cricket days have left him but the 37-year-old still remains in the public eye through reality TV shows and celebrity talk shows.