Pietersen wanted to leave Hampshire for geographical reasons

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has agreed a deal to play for Surrey in the 2011 domestic season.

Pietersen said he would leave Hampshire at the end of last season and, after the county stopped picking him as a result, he joined Surrey on loan.

The 30-year-old, whose first English club was Notts, had five years at Hants but has now joined Surrey permanently.

"I'm delighted to be playing for Surrey next season, as I really enjoyed my time with them this year," he said.

Pietersen is currently in Australia with the England squad as they prepare for the Ashes series.

England's star player was dropped by the national team for the one-day series against Pakistan at the end of August as he struggled for form.

He spent a spell at Surrey before also playing for South African side Kwazulu Natal Dolphins in a bid to regain his form ahead of the trip down under.

I know that coming to Surrey County Cricket Club is very important to him and it's very important to us too Surrey's Paul Sheldon

Pietersen has not scored a a Test century since March 2009, although he does average more than 54 in the longer format of the game in Australia.

Speaking of his plans for for 2011 he said: "I hope I can get some games in over the summer and spend time at this great club, meeting more of the staff and supporters.

"I look forward to catching up with the guys when I get back from the Ashes."

Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon revealed he had already been in contact with the England management in an effort to maximise the number of appearances Pietersen will be able to make for the county.

"Kevin Pietersen is a star, in cricketing terms he's a giant of a man and I think it's going to help us hugely both on and off the field," he told BBC London 94.9.

"I think we'll probably get him for a championship match at the end of the World Cup and before the Test matches start in May and also I've talked to the England management about releasing Kevin for a couple of home Twenty20 matches.

"He's bubbling with enthusiasm, he's obviously very excited about the Ashes as well. But I know that coming to Surrey County Cricket Club is very important to him and it's very important to us too."

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