London: England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff will be coaching the United Arab Emirates national team during the period that he recovers from knee surgery.

A partnership has been agreed with Dubai Sports City to use their gym and facilities as a base for his rehabilitation. In return he will be carrying out some coaching for the UAE national team over the next six months,"The Independent quoted Andrew Chandler, Flintoff's agent, as saying.

Consistently rated amongst the top international all-rounders in both ODI and Test cricket, Flintoff had announced his retirement from Test cricket at the conclusion of the 2009 Ashes series, but made himself available for future commitments in One Day International and Twenty20 International matches.

Flintoff's career has also been marred with injuries due to his heavy frame and bowling action. He recently had surgery on his knee, which had been troubling him for long, and last week he had moved to Dubai, where he hopes to open a cricket academy.

"His partnership with Sports City will also help raise the profile of his Dubai academy," Chandler added.