THIS is the touching moment brave Freddie Flintoff speaks publicly for the first time since suffering horrific injuries in a Top Gear crash.
The England cricket legend, 45, suffered serious facial injuries and broken ribs in a 130km/h crash while filming the popular BBC show in December last year.
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Brave Freddie Flintoff today spoke publicly for the first time since the accident
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He presented Tom Hartley with his England cap
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The cricket legend suffered nasty facial injuries in an accident last yearCredit: PA
He was driving a three-wheel open Morgan Super 3 when it overturned at Dunsfold Park Airfield in Surrey.
Flintoff was not wearing a helmet at the time of the near-fatal accident, in which his face scraped the floor.
The star has rarely appeared in public since the accident, but recently helped mentor the England cricket team.
Flintoff didn’t talk about the defeat, but in a heartfelt clip posted on X/Twitter today, he presented cricketer Tom Hartley with his England cricket team cap.
In his speech, Flintoff praised the “family-like” team and said they would “be there for you in the most difficult times of your life”.
He said: “It’s a great pleasure to share with Tom what will be a day you will remember for the rest of your life.
“When you get this cap, it changes your life.
“It’s one of those things, it’s before and after. It allows you to walk taller and move faster.
“Play with passion, play with pride, play with faith. And also part of the family of people.
“They will share good times with you, they will share successes.
“But as I’ve discovered over the past few months, they will be there for you in the hardest times of your life.
“They will stand by you. So, like the lion on Tom’s cap, be brave, be fearless, be proud and enjoy every minute.”
The ace cricketer had to wait for 45 minutes to be airlifted to the hospital after his horrific defeat.
Later reports revealed that the car did not have an airbag.
The BBC has since been accused of failing to fulfill its duty of care towards Flintoff.
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Flintoff told the Top Gear crew he was worried about safety on the day of the crash.
Senior BBC executives have been briefed on the presenters’ fears as the report on the accident is finalised.
Flintoff has since left the motor show.
A source said: “Freddie expressed his concerns about the safety of the stunt on set on the day of the accident.
“He was wondering if that was okay given the vehicle and track conditions.
“He was worried before he got behind the wheel and the production staff at the track were aware of that.
“Obviously he was used to taking part in these stunts when he was on the show, but the alarm bells were ringing.
“Since the accident, it has been openly discussed by Top Gear staff, who doubt whether the show will ever return to screens.”
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The ace cricketer works with the current England national team Credit: Rex
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