Former England captain Alastair Cook has announced his retirement from professional cricket.

Cook, 38, spent all 20 years of his career playing for Essex and enjoyed a record-breaking 12-year Test career for his country.

The left-handed opener retired from the international arena in 2018 after scoring 15,737 runs in all formats and winning 257 caps in total.

No English player has scored more than his 33 Test centuries, which came in 291 innings.

He said in a statement: "It is not easy to say goodbye. Cricket has been so much more than my job.

"It has allowed me to experience places I never dreamed I would go, be a part of teams that have achieved things I would never have thought possible and, most importantly, created deep friendships that will last a lifetime.

"From the eight-year-old boy who first played for Wickham Bishops Under-11s to now, I end with a strange feeling of sadness mixed with pride. Above all, I am incredibly happy."

Cook captained his country on 59 occasions between 2012 and 2017, winning Ashes series on home soil against Australia in 2013 and 2015. 

He was also top scorer in the tourists' 3-1 triumph Down Under in 2010-11.

Cook added: "Although my England career came to an end in 2018, I remain blown away by the amount of affection I receive from England supporters.

"Wherever I have travelled, you have been there with your enthusiasm, kind words and unshakable belief. English cricket really does have the best fans in the world.

"When I ended my international career, I had no idea that I would have five more bonus years playing for Essex. I cannot put into words just how much fun we have had during that time."

Former England team-mate James Anderson said: "I feel very fortunate that I got to play a lot with him.

"For him to give back to Essex what he has over the past few years speaks volumes about him. He constantly performs, churning out runs. He'll be hugely missed."