Former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds opens up on 'poisoned' relationship with Michael Clarke
Australian cricket legend Andrew Symonds has shared new details about his fractured relationship with former teammate Michael Clarke, revealing money and status may have played a part in their falling out.
Speaking on The Brett Lee Podcast, Symonds said Clarke may have become envious when the former became highly sought-after at the inception of the high-paying Indian Premier League.
"We became close. When he (Clarke) came into the side I used to bat with him a lot," he told Lee.
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Australia's Andrew Symonds and Michael Clarke bat together against Zimbabwe. Herald Sun Sport
"So when he came into the side I really looked after him. That built a bond.
"Matthew Hayden said to me — when the IPL started, I got a pretty penny to go and play in the IPL — he identified it as there was a bit of jealousy that potentially came into the relationship (with Clarke) there.
"Money does funny things. It's a good thing but it can be a poison and I reckon it may have poisoned our relationship.
"I've got enough respect for him to probably not go into detail about what was said.
Australian players Andrew Symonds and Michael Clarke spray champagne after winning the 2007 Ashes series. Herald Sun
"My friendship with him is no longer and I'm comfortable with that, but I'm not gonna sit here and start slinging mud."
Symonds became the most expensive overseas player at the first IPL auction in 2008, getting picked up by the Deccan Chargers for $1.8 million.
