Ronnie O’Sullivan has opened up on what he plans to do when he decides to finally call it a day in snooker.
At the age of 48, O’Sullivan might be pondering life after the sport that has made him a household name.
Indeed, he even admitted he would retire from snooker immediately if one change was made, though his comments were made tongue-in-cheek.
And while the seven-time world champion is already winding his career down after pulled out of the Wuhan Open and British Open recently, his sights are set on another sport.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has discovered a new love
PA
The 48-year-old has found a new love – running.
And when his time with snooker is up, O’Sullivan plans on taking up a coaching role in the sport.
“It’s the best thing, I love it at the running club,” O’Sullivan told Virgin Radio.
“When I finish playing I think I’ll probably get a coaching badge and try to help out at the club with all types of runners. Whenever I’ve got the time, whenever I finish playing snooker.”
But when the Rocket hangs up his cue, he will not be completely done with the sport and plans on helping the next generation of snooker stars.
He said: “I’d like to help a player, I’d love to help a player because there’s loads of times in my career that I’ve got help and it’s transformed my career.
“Ray Reardon, Steve Peters and Frank Adamson, I’m ever so thankful for three people who have changed my life.
“If I could maybe help another player develop…I think a lot of it is improving on your weaknesses.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has calmed down his snooker schedule in recent months
“A lot of people think they can just pot and break-build, there’s another side to the game that you need to develop.
“Also the mental side of it as well, what Steve Peters (a sports psychologist) has done with me. When you’re mentally strong it’s such a tremendous asset to have as a sportsman.”
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Ronnie O’Sullivan already has plans after he retires
PA
O’Sullivan’s decision to pull out of the Wuhan Open means he will not play a game in October, if he pulls out of the Northern Ireland Open as well.
However, he looks set to return to the baize in November when he competes at the International Championship, Champion of Champions and then the UK Championship.