Cape Town - In a touching moment, AB de Villiers has visited a 14-year-old fan who was left devastated at his decision to retire from international cricket.

De Villiers stunned the cricketing world last month by announcing that he would no longer play international cricket, leaving the Proteas without their biggest weapon at next year's Cricket World Cup in England and Wales.

Young Leo Sadler was reportedly gutted by De Villiers' decision, and his mother Elsabe mailed Pretoria-based radio station Jacaranda FM to see if there was anything they could do.

Jacaranda breakfast host Martin Bester then set up a mock interview with Leo, who was left stunned when De Villiers entered the room.

De Villiers explained to Leo that his decision to retire was guided by a desire to spend more time with his wife and children.

International cricket, De Villiers said, was taking up too much time and he was "tired".

De Villiers told Leo that he would still be playing cricket for the Titans.

Leo then had the honour of enjoying a short game of cricket with De Villiers in the back garden.

WATCH: AB DE VILLIERS SURPRISES A YOUNG FAN