LONDON, (Reuters) – Andrew Flintoff has rejected a  central contract from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)  in order to have more control over his career, the all-rounder said yesterday.

Flintoff, who was offered a second-tier contract, is in Dubai recovering from a second knee operation that hastened his retirement from test cricket after helping England regain the Ashes from Australia last month.

The 31-year-old intends to carry on playing one-day  internationals and Twenty20s for England and is hoping to be fit  to return for the tour of Bangladesh early next year.

“I was flattered to receive the offer of an incremental  contract from the ECB, which I wasn’t really expecting, but at  this stage of my career I don’t think I need to be told when to  play and when to rest,” he said on his website  (www.andrewflintoff.com).

“I have played international cricket for 11 years and know  my body’s capabilities. I am grateful to the ECB for all the  financial support they have given me to help in my  rehabilitation.

“I have moved to Dubai because I believe it will help in  that and their decision to pay for (physio) Dave Roberts’  continued expertise to aid my recovery has been invaluable,”  added Flintoff.   Without direction from England’s team management he will be  able to sign lucrative Twenty20 contracts for overseas teams  like his Indian Premier League franchise, the Chennai Super  Kings.