In a statement released on Twitter, 44-year-old Brady said: "These past two months I've realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands.

"That time will come. But it's not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I'm coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business. LFG."

Shortly after Brady's announcement, the Buccaneers reacted with their own Twitter message: "He's baaackkkk."

Brady is considered the greatest quarterback in NFL history, having made his name during a remarkable 20-year spell with the New England Patriots.

He moved to Tampa Bay and led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title following the 2020 season and NFC South championship last season.

During his 22-year career, Brady led the NFL in most yards passed (84,250) and in most touchdown passes (624).

He also bagged the most NFL career wins ever, with 243, and he is the only person to have won more than five Super Bowls.

Brady cited his desire to spend more time with his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, and their three children when he decided to walk away from the game on 1 February.

But a week later he changed his mind about staying home, saying he would "never say never" about playing again.

Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians had told reporters that the "door was never closed" on a Brady return, and "whenever Tom wants back, he's back".