Mitchell Johnson has confirmed he is retiring from all forms of cricket, including the T20 circuit, as he admits he's body is starting to shut down.
Last month Johnson called time on his stint in the Big Bash league for the Perth Scorchers, but left the door slightly ajar for T20 competitions around the world.
But Johnson revealed on the Perth Now website he is finally done with the game he so dearly loves.
"It's over. I've bowled my final ball. Taken my final wicket. Today I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket," Johnson said.
"I had hoped to continue playing in various Twenty20 competitions around the world until perhaps the middle of next year. But the fact is my body is starting to shut down."
Johnson was considering continuing on with the Perth based club in the new season of BBL08, but admitted he mentally couldn't handle playing the game anymore.
"When I sat down with new Perth Scorchers coach Adam Voges recently to discuss my future, he was interested in me playing on again this summer. I did believe I could still be helpful around the playing group with my experience. But I think mentally I'm done as well," Johnson said.
"I'm ready to break clear of playing cricket and move on to the next period of my life.
"He has recently been through retiring himself and I think he understood that when you're done, you're done.
"If I can't play at 100 percent then I can't give my best to the team. And for me it's always been about the team."
Following his retirement from international cricket, Johnson featured in two seasons for the Scorchers, becoming a vital team member in their BBL06 campaign.
The left-arm bowler also won the 2017 IPL title with the Mumbai Indians where he claimed three wickets to led the team to victory over fellow Aussie Steve Smith's Rising Pune Supergiants.
The 36-year old has indicated he hasn't ruled out becoming a coach or mentor after his playing career is finished.
"My competitive urge hasn't left me and hopefully that's something I can use to channel into a coaching or mentoring role in the future. I'm a believer in sticking to your strengths and cricket is my strength," Johnson said.
I don't know if I'll be any good at it. I've got a lot of experience in cricket and no experience in coaching officially, though I did help out at Wanneroo last summer and I've always enjoyed working with young players."
Johnson will mostly be remembered for that brutal 2013 Ashes campaign where he terrorised England with his fast-paced and furious bowling, which saw he claim the 2014 Allan Border medal.
Named ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2014 too, Johnson is proud of everything he has achieved in the game and the time is right to step away from all forms.
"I saw more highs and lows than most cricketers and I'm proud that I was able to fight back from adversity in the latter part of my career and produce consistent performances. I made mistakes and I learnt from them," Johnson said.
At my best, I felt like I was meant to be out there and I didn't have to force anything. It just happened."
