Former South Africa international AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after losing his appetite for the game, bringing to an end a 17-year career in which he established himself as one of his country's greats.

De Villiers retired from all international formats in May 2018, but was in negotiations about returning to the limited-overs squad for the Twenty20 World Cup before deciding not to play for the Proteas again.

The 37-year-old was still playing franchise cricket, most recently for Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, which described his retirement as the "end of an era" after a decade with the south Indian team.

"It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket," De Villiers said in a statement on Friday.

"Ever since the backyard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly.

"That's the reality I must accept - and, even if it may seem sudden, that is why I am making this announcement today. I've had my time. Cricket has been exceptionally kind to me."

It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket.

Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly. pic.twitter.com/W1Z41wFeli

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 19, 2021

De Villiers, an explosive and entertaining batsman who also kept wicket, has been dubbed "Mr 360" for his wide range of shots that found all parts of the boundary.

De Villiers departs with nearly 20,000 runs for South Africa in tests, one-day internationals, and T20Is, as well as 9,424 runs in T20s.

He holds the record for the fastest ODI century, scoring 149 in 31 deliveries against the West Indies in Johannesburg in 2015, blasting 16 sixes and nine boundaries.

India's Virat Kohli, who once referred to Bangalore teammate AB de Villiers as the IPL's "most influential match-winner," said De Villiers' decision to retire "hurts his heart" but that it was done with the South African's family in mind.

"To the best player of our times and the most inspirational person I've met, you can be very proud of what you've done and what you've given to RCB, my brother," Kohli said on Twitter.

"Our bond is beyond the game and will always be."

To the best player of our times and the most inspirational person I've met, you can be very proud of what you've done and what you've given to RCB my brother. Our bond is beyond the game and will always be.

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 19, 2021

Edited - SportsAction / Inputs - Agency