Ronnie O’Sullivan offers fresh retirement tease with eye-opening comments.

Ronnie O’Sullivan offers fresh retirement tease with eye-opening comments.

 

 

Legendary snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan has once again stirred up talk of retirement, delivering some candid and somewhat startling comments about the twilight of his career.

The Current Situation

The 49-year-old (he turns 50 soon) seven-time world champion has made it clear that while he isn’t pulling the plug just yet, he’s very conscious that time is no longer entirely on his side. He told the press:

> “I’m not ready to quit snooker, but I doubt I can rediscover sufficient form in order to ‘go out with a smile on my face.’”

In recent months, he has been playing fewer events, taking longer to decide whether to enter major tournaments such as the World Snooker Championship, and even candidly admitting that the last few years “kind of took their toll”.

Eye-Opening Comments

Some of his most revealing quotes include:

After a shock first-round defeat, O’Sullivan described himself as “absolutely useless… awful, it’s embarrassing” and went on to say:

> “If I’m going to play rubbish I might as well play left-handed… I haven’t got long. I’m not going to deny it.”

On his decision-making regarding upcoming events:

> “I don’t know yet. … I just need to give myself as much time as possible to see where I’m at.”

Reflecting on past years:

> “Probably three and a half years out of the last four have been pretty terrible for me and that’s kind of took its toll.”

What This Suggests

Acknowledgement of decline: O’Sullivan is not shying away from the fact that his game isn’t where it once was and that he’s aware of the limits now.

No emotional rush to retire: Despite the hints, he remains in the competition and still says he’s enjoying playing in some moments. For instance, he was quoted as saying he is “enjoying playing more than I have done for maybe over a decade now.”

Selective approach: He appears to be choosing his tournaments more carefully, possibly reducing the grind and preserving his energy and enjoyment.

Wanting a dignified exit: The remark about “going out with a smile on my face” indicates he’d prefer to stop on his own terms rather than be forced out by form or injury.

Why It Matters

O’Sullivan is arguably one of the greatest snooker players ever. His decisions and mindset matter not just for his legacy but also for the sport in general—fans, sponsors, and the future of snooker all take note when a figure of his stature hints at winding things down.

His comments highlight the mental and physical toll of elite sport, especially as athletes age and the grind becomes harder to maintain.

What Comes Next?

Watch for announcements regarding whether he enters the World Snooker Championship and other big events. He’s hinted his participation will be a last-minute decision.

Keep an eye on his form: If he strings together strong performances, he may extend his stay. If not, hints may soon become confirmation of retirement.

Pay attention to how he frames his future: Will he transition to fewer tournaments, exhibitions, commentary, coaching—or make a clean exit completely?

In short: Ronnie O’Sullivan’s comments are a clear signal that the endgame is approaching, but he’s not ready to close the book just yet.

When he does, he seems determined to have it be his decision.