FORMER Yorkshire captain Steven Patterson has retired from professional cricket after 20 years with the White Rose.

Patterson played his final game for Yorkshire in the 18 runs defeat to Gloucestershire earlier this week, which confirmed the club's relegation to the LV= Insurance County Championship division two.

The 38-year-old, who had been set to be released by Yorkshire at the end of the season, ends his career with 489 wickets from 185 first-class matches.

The seam bowler was part of the Yorkshire sides which won the 2014 and 2015 County Championship titles and was club captain from 2018 to July.

Patterson said: "I have made the difficult decision to retire from professional cricket.

"It was always my dream to play for Yorkshire, so to have the privilege to represent the club for almost 20 years is an honour.

"After being told I was no longer wanted by the club, I took the time to consider my next step.

"Although I was offered the opportunity to play division one cricket elsewhere, I had to listen to my body and my heart.

"I simply don’t feel I have the energy or the passion to play for any other club.

"I am going to commit my time to our family property business, and give more time to my wife and children.

"There are many people without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today.

"My sincere thanks go to my family who have supported me unconditionally, all the coaches and medical staff that have helped me over the years, my teammates past and present who I have made wonderful memories with, and of course the members who have been nothing but brilliant to me.

"The reception I received at the (Gloucestershire) game is something I will always treasure.

"I wish my teammates and Yorkshire all the very best for the future."

Yorkshire chief operating office Andy Dawson said: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Steven for his considerable contribution to the club’s recent history.

“I’ve got to know Steven very well personally during my ten years with the club.

"He’s been hugely supportive of me personally and all club activities off the pitch as well.

"I look forward to continuing my friendship with him for years to come.

“Steven has been consistently brilliant on the field and a key player during the club’s back-to-back championship successes.

"Not many have toiled as hard to find ways to break through the most stubborn of batting defences, with an exemplary economy rate throughout, and his knack of taking wickets at crucial times was often unmatched.

“Cap number 170 will go down as a great of Yorkshire. We thank and congratulate him on a truly wonderful career and wish him all the best in his next chapter.

“He will always be welcome back at Headingley.”