The recently retired fast bowler, who has been signed as a brand ambassador for Queensland-based Squad Athletica, said he felt relieved after moving on to the next phase of his life.

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“It was a really good decision – I felt a weight was lifted off my shoulder when I got rid of playing,” he said.

“I had achieved what I wanted and the time was right.”

The 37-year-old retired from international cricket in 2015 before announcing an end to his career from all forms of the sport in August.

Townsville-born and Perth-based Johnson, who has since tried his hand at fashion design, said he was also relishing spending more time with his family – wife Jessica and young children Rubika and Leo.

“I remember my daughter one time saying ‘daddy, don’t go’ (as I was preparing to leave to play) and that really hit home,” he said.

Teaming up with Squad Athletica was a natural fit for Johnson, who said staying fit after retiring from sport was a priority.

“I want to be able to run around with my kids and play with them and keep up with them,” he said.

“The gym has always been somewhere I can go to clear my mind and I have always enjoyed it – an hour a day helps everything, I can get home and be more myself and not as tense.”

Johnson recently jetted to Brisbane to shoot Squad Athletica’s latest campaign.

“I still feel like a Queenslander and to be able to shoot with the brand was exciting and an honour,” he said.

While he said he doesn’t know if he will ever get used to being in front of the camera, he just tries to be himself.

“It’s part of my life now,” he said.