Alexey “LeX” Kolesnikov one of the most recognizable CS players from Russia has announced he will be retiring from the game. He had been hinting at retirement for the last few weeks because of his health. At Arbalat Cup in August he was rushed to the hospital.

Alexey was the captain of the Virtus.pro and when they disbanded in November he went into the free agency market. He was used as a stand in for tp.uSports in the most recent Arbalat Cup.

Alexey “LeX” Kolesnikov had this to say to Gameinside.ua

“I think it’s no big secret the fact that all the tournaments and tight scheduled had been hard for me to deal with these past months.

Our ambitions, our desires and our goals, together with with great faith, hard work and constant analysis is the force that allows us to achieve the highest possible results in any business and is able to break any walls that come in our way – except for health.

I can not continue playing actively. Now I need some time and effort to restore my health and regain vitality.”

Although his career in playing is over he will be in charge of the 2010 Arbalet Cup season, which will featuring a $100,000 prize purse.