Tom Brady has reversed his decision to retire from the NFL, announcing that he will play another season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brady, 44, announced at the start of February that he had decided to call time on his illustrious career.
But after taking some time to reflect, he has now changed his mind and will return to the field for a 23rd season.
"These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands," he wrote on Twitter.
"That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible.
"I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG."
Brady is widely considered to be the greatest quarterback of all time and has won a record seven Super Bowls.
He won six rings with the New England Patriots before moving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2020/21 season, where he won a seventh.
In his retirement statement at the beginning of February, he said the decision had been taken due to the "physical, mental and emotional challenge" of the sport.
"I have always believed the sport of football is an "all-in" proposition – if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game," he wrote at the time.
"There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximise my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.
"This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention."
He has now decided to reverse that decision and return to play with the Bucs for another season.
After winning the 2021 Super Bowl, Tampa Bay lost in the divisional round to the Los Angeles Rams during last season’s playoffs.
Earlier this month, Bucs head coach Bruce Arians was asked whether Brady had left a door open over a possible return.
“He slammed it shut when I talked to him,” he replied bluntly.
Brady was in the UK watching Manchester United take on Tottenham on Saturday, as a guest at Old Trafford.
From the stands he tweeted: "Here we go! @Cristiano vs. @HKane. I might fist pump if you score Harry but I’m riding with @ManUtd today."
Having watched Cristiano Ronaldo's heroics first hand, the former New York Patriots star was seen chatting to United's No.7 on the pitch.
The American also posed for photos with some of the other members of the United squad.
Ronaldo took to his own account to share a photo with Brady along with the caption: "Always a pleasure and a privilege to share some thoughts and ideas with another GOAT…"
