Whether South Africans love him or hate him, Kevin Pietersen has had quite the cricket career, and following his much-publicised drop from the English team, the 33-year-old South African-born star has opened up about his career choices and controversy.

Writing in a column on The Telegraph, Pietersen says that he has no hard-feelings regarding his omission from the English squad.

I will have no anger, no negative thoughts whatsoever when England walk out without me at Lord’s on Thursday to play their first Test since the winter. I wish my friends in the England team well. I have moved on from the England and Wales Cricket Board’s decision to end my international career and have put things in perspective.

Pietersen says that his choices, while questioned, led him to an illustrious career in English cricket, racking up 13,500 international runs for England. Not a bad stat to have under your name.

Fourteen years ago, I was an off-spinner from Pietermaritzburg who did not know where his life was going. I had a notion that I wanted to make a life in England but had no idea if I would succeed.

What I have done during my career is ignore the ridiculous praise and the ridiculous criticism. I have stayed even and been mentally strong enough to keep believing in my methods and what I think is the best way for me to be successful.

Pietersen is now focused on establishing his cricket academy and foundation which he will launch in November in Dubai.

Read Pietersen’s full column HERE.

[source: Telegraph]