Patterson, who made his List A debut for Yorkshire as a 19-year-old in 2003, stepped down from the club captaincy in July, after being informed that his contract would not be renewed. And now he has now confirmed in a statement that he will not be seeking to further his career elsewhere.

"I have made the difficult decision to retire from professional cricket," he wrote. "It was always my dream to play for Yorkshire, so to have the privilege to represent the club for almost 20 years is an honour.

"After being told I was no longer wanted by the club, I took the time to consider my next step. Although I was offered the opportunity to play Division One cricket elsewhere, I had to listen to my body and my heart. I simply don't feel I have the energy or the passion to play for any other club.

"I am going to commit my time to our family property business, and give more time to my wife and children."

Patterson's announcement brings to an end one of the great county careers of recent vintage, as he leaves the game with 489 first-class wickets at 27.57, as well as 2699 runs at 15.16, with a highest score of 63 not out against Warwickshire in 2016.

He played a key role in Yorkshire's back-to-back County Championship titles in 2014 and 2015, claiming 39 and 47 wickets respectively, and a further 39 in 2016, when the club fell short of a third consecutive title with defeat to the eventual champions Middlesex in the final match of the season.

As a genuine medium-pacer, with stamina and accuracy in abundance, Patterson played 345 matches across formats for Yorkshire, and offered a metronomic presence in their Championship line-up for 18 seasons. Having been awarded his county cap in 2012, he took over as club captain in 2017.

His final act in a Yorkshire shirt was to walk out to bat at No.11 on Wednesday, to huge acclaim from the Headingley faithful, as he and Dom Bess set about scoring the final 50 runs needed to beat Gloucestershire in their final match of the season and guarantee their top-flight status for 2023. In the end he made a 27-ball duck, in a stand of 31, before being caught at backward point off David Payne. Twenty-four hours, Warwickshire beat Hampshire in a five-run classic at Edgbaston, and Yorkshire's fate was sealed.

"There are many people without whom I wouldn't be where I am today," Patterson said. "My sincere thanks go to my family who have supported me unconditionally, all the coaches and medical staff that have helped me over the years, my team-mates past and present who I have made wonderful memories with, and of course the members who have been nothing but brilliant to me."

"The reception I received at the game this week is something I will always treasure," he added. "I wish my team-mates and Yorkshire all the very best for the future."