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Cape Town - Former Proteas batsman AB de Villiers revealed candidly that he is "very happy" and has no regrets after stepping away from international cricket.
De Villiers announced his shocking retirement in May, citing fatigue and stated that it was the "right time" to call time on his 14-year international cricket career.
Since appearing on the international stage in 2004, De Villiers scored 8 765 runs in 114 Tests with 22 centuries (average 50.66), 9 577 runs in 228 ODIs with 25 centuries and 1 672 runs in 78 T20Is with 10 half-centuries.
De Villiers reiterated in an interview with The Independent that he has "absolutely no regrets".
"I know the right answer is probably to say I will always miss the game. But I truly believe that players who tell you they don't feel the pressure of international cricket, being away from home for months at a time, are lying to everyone and themselves," De Villiers said.
"It's been unbearable at times: the pressure you have to face, performing day in and day out. The expectations that you put on yourself, from fans, from the country, from coaches.
"It is huge, and it's something that's on your mind all the time as a cricketer. And it's definitely something that I'm not going to miss. I'm very happy to have stepped away. Absolutely no regrets."
READ: AB set to become future CSA employee?
The former Proteas skipper said that he will continue playing domestic cricket for the Titans and will be available for the Indian Premier League - and likely other T20 leagues.
De Villiers, 34, noted that he still wants to be part of the game.
"I know nothing will compare to that feeling of scoring hundreds in a big game," he admits.
"Thousands of people chanting your name. But in all fairness, I don't miss it. Not yet. Maybe a year down the line. I'm still going to play for a few years, I'll still play a little bit around the world. But on my own terms."
