AN emotional Graeme Hick struggled to fight back the tears as he announced his retirement from county cricket.

The 42-year-old brings the curtain down on an illustrious career later this month but, when he spoke to the press today, the former England star had tears in his eyes as he told the world that after 25 seasons this would be his last.

After more than 1,200 matches, one of the greatest players ever to turn out for Worcestershire will play his final match against Middlesex, quite fittingly at New Road starting two weeks tomorrow.

“I felt the time was right,” Hick said. “I felt at the start of the season this would be my last but I wanted to wait to make sure.

“I made my decision a few weeks ago, sat on the balcony at Cheltenham, and felt that it was time to go.”

Hick missed today’s LV County Championship Division Two derby match with Warwickshire due to his elbow injury.

But he is hoping last Thursday’s NatWest Pro40 match at Taunton, the scene of his historic 405 runs 20 years ago, won’t be his last.

So close to playing today, Hick looks back on his time at New Road with so many memories it was hard for him to single out one stand-out moment of such a glittering career.

“You remember your successes with the County, playing for England and the friendships. There is a lot for me to reflect on,” he said.

“When I make that final walk out on to the pitch, I’m not sure how I will feel.”

Chairman Percy Price described Hick as the “perfect ambassador” for Worcestershire and someone who will be so hard to replace.

“He has been an unbelievable servant for the club. He has got the best pair of hands in the country,” he said.

“Off the field, he treats everyone as he wants to be treated himself. He is an idol for so many people.

“He has been the perfect ambassador.”

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: “My playing days have been the same as Graeme and, without a doubt, he is the best player to have played county cricket.

“He will be missed. Maybe, we will never see anyone again like Graeme.

“This is a sad day, one that we all knew would come.

“You have got the cathedral on one side of the ground and Hicky in the dressing room and if one goes, you’ll certainly miss them.

“It has been quite emotional for Graeme because his career has been such a long one.

“But he has had such a fantastic career and has enjoyed a lot throughout his time at Worcester so why not enjoy the last three weeks of the season.”