Andrew Flintoff could become a tax exile in Dubai, says agent

• England all-rounder could move family out to emirate
• Flintoff will coach UAE team during rehabilitation

Andrew Flintoff is considering moving his home to Dubai to become a tax exile and maximise his earnings as a freelance cricketer. His agent Andrew "Chubby" Chandler, speaking for the first time about his client's ambitions, said today: "He likes life in Dubai. He likes the fact that he is not in the limelight so much, that he is not the centre of attention.

"His kids like the schools out there and, when it comes to rehabilitation, Fred gets a bit tired of running up hills in the snow, as he does in England. I've seen him do eight hours a day of rehab and it's easier in Dubai. He would also be nearer his IPL [Indian Premier League] employers and Bangladesh [where England tour in February] is closer too."

But Chandler, who was speaking as it was announced that Flintoff will coach the United Arab Emirates national team during his rehabilitation from knee surgery, did not deny that the financial benefit of living in Dubai is also an issue. He could become a tax exile if he spends no more than 90 days in the United Kingdom – meaning Flintoff would have carefully to manage his time flying in and out of the country.

Chandler said: "Anything is possible. But the 90-day rule could be cutting it a bit tight. As well as playing for England he will be playing for Lancashire and he may play the occasional four-day game for them."

Flintoff is thinking about building an academy in Dubai and Chandler admitted that the 31-year-old all-rounder is also looking to buy a home there. "Renting in Dubai is very expensive. Fred is looking at the possibility of buying a place, though he may sell it again and return to England. It is an opportunity he is looking at."

Flintoff earns an estimated £2m a year, mainly through his contract with the IPL team, the Chennai Super Kings. By rejecting an incremental contract offered to him by the England and Wales Cricket Board earlier this month he would be able to commit himself to the full six weeks of next spring's IPL tournament – England players are allowed only a three-week window.

Flintoff has been linked to playing short-term cricket in South Africa, Australia and the West Indies. But Chandler said the player would always put England first. "It is wrong, as I've read, that Fred may decide to play for other teams before England. People who say that just don't know him. He cares about playing for England."

But there are already doubts about Flintoff's fitness for the Bangladesh tour. "The powers that be – not me – are saying that Bangladesh could come a bit too soon, that it's a tall order."

Meanwhile the player's coaching role with the UAE will involve him in only five days' work over the next six months and will – according to Chandler – be unpaid. Chandler added: "A partnership has been agreed with Dubai Sports City to use their gym and facilities as a base for his rehabilitation.

"I believe he will be one of the first people to use them. In return he will be carrying out some coaching for the UAE national team over the next six months. There's been good growth in UAE cricket in the last few years and Andrew felt he wanted to give something back."

source: Guardian