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Ronnie O'Sullivan makes snooker retirement vow 'it's hard for some people'

EXCLUSIVE Snooker icon Ronnie O'Sullivan has addressed his future in the sport and admitted it's "kind of hard" as he looks to life after his playing days

[Ronnie O'Sullivan]

O'Sullivan plans to leave the UK and relocate to Dubai permanently

Snooker icon Ronnie OSullivan has admitted he cant see himself retiring.

OSullivan, 49, said its kind of hard for some people, and hed need to keep himself busy but acknowledged he's coming to the end of his career.

Speaking to Daily Star Sport, he said: "Obviously you're going to think about retirement from snooker. I thought Id retire at 35, and I'm 49 now.

"So I've done an extra 14 years out of it more than I thought. The last time I played in Saudi, I proved to myself that yeah, I can still mix it with the top players."

O'Sullivan admitted he was "getting worn out" and decided to "cut all the other bits and pieces out" such as exhibitions and flying too much.

[Ronnie O'Sullivan]

Ronnie O'Sullivan has admitted he's coming to the end of his career(Image: VCG via Getty Images)

He added: "So, retirement? Its kind of hard for some people. I cant ever see myself retire. I just have to find things that I can do!"

The Rocket said he has "two or three projects" that don't require him to play - such as Pluto's new snooker channel and opening up some pool halls around the globe.

However, he joked there will come a point when "it's embarrassing" and then it's "time to put the cue down."

O'Sullivan is regarded as the greatest-ever snooker player - and he made history when he last won the World Championship in 2022, becoming the oldest winner of the global crown.

[Ronnie O'Sullivan with his wife Laila Rouass]

Ronnie O'Sullivan with his wife Laila Rouass(Image: Getty Images)

There are a lot of really good 45-year-old snooker players. I mean, John is 49, Marks 49. Well say 50 - round it up," he continued.

But there arent a lot of good players that can still play to a very, very high level. They just cant compete with the likes of Judd Trump, Zhao Xingtong, and Connor Wilson. But among the seniors, the standard is very, very high."

There was a changing of the guard at the World Championship this year - with Zhao Xingtong taking the crown.

[Ronnie O'Sullivan ]

Ronnie O'Sullivan has admitted he can't see himself retiring(Image: VCG via Getty Images)

The 28-year-old beat O'Sullivan en route to the final: I think he's got an amazing future in the game.

"Im sure hell win many more titles and eventually be number one in the world.

OSullivan is supporting the launch of Pluto Snooker 900 - the worlds first 24/7 dedicated snooker channel, streaming free and on demand on Pluto TV, with more than 600,000 in prize money already pledged for amateur players over the next 12-months

Don't miss a thing with Daily Star Sport updates!

The channel aims to spotlight the future of the sport - giving women, juniors and disabled players the TV platform usually reserved for the elite, alongside legends of the game.

Launching with Legends Week on Monday, October 6, the channel will feature 18 hours of live snooker every week, alongside classic matches from the archive and Ronnies own Rocket Method coaching series

You can download Pluto TV free on your smart TV and mobile and stream Pluto Snooker 900 instantly from 2pm on Monday, October 6.

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