With a top break of 21 after 40 years of playing i feel exactly the same😢

This interview is extremely honest and transparent. He sounds like he is trapped and desperately is seeking direction, purpose and fulfilment but his identity is so interwined within snooker, he doesn't know how to be Ronnie without it. I hope he finds the solution to his dilemma, after all he has brought so much entertainmentand joy to so many. Praying for this guy.

He looks absolutely knackered. I’d imagine he’s having a battle with himself. One half wants to retire, and the other half wants to carry on as he’s still winning. Mental health is no joke, people commit suicide every day and unfortunately those that have no experience with it can’t understand it. Might seem to some like he’s talking nonsense but you don’t know what’s going on inside his head.

Ever felt like you don’t enjoy your job? See through the lines, I can. When you suffer from depression and have lots of responsibility, everything becomes boring. With you Ronnie all the way.

our greatest living sports personality in England, Ronnie, the tortured genius, I salute you and admire you. What's not to love about this guy.....

Ronnie is clearly talking about depression. That horrible state where nothing gives you that satisfaction. Its like you have a massive hole in your soul and nothing can fill it. You just go through the motions every single day and this is chronic. Year in, year out.

Does anyone know if he's found his cue action yet?

I love how honest Ronnie is. He’s such an inspiration to me.

The people commenting that they're bored of this talk, sick of him whining, hes blessed to be in his position etc. truly haven't a clue. None of that really matters when you are struggling and stuck in a rut. In many ways these kinds of interviews are a bit heartbreaking for me. This man is my hero, and is many, many, many other peoples hero. I will be devastated when he retires, and i won't miss these interviews for reasons vastly different to others. I won't miss them because he will hopefully have found inner peace and contentment away from fulfilling his obligations to the sport.

the two Ronnie's

Tbh at the age he is its not out of the ordinary for him to be demotivated he's done it for so long and won everything

Always a ray of sunshine to listen to

Fair enough Ronnie. 30 years of playing professionally, the truly amazing thing is that you are still winning so often. If you walk away now, you know you’ll look back in ten years and wonder what if. Its a shame, but even you can’t play and win for ever, just hope you can find some peace and fulfil your potential whilst enjoying the ride. Good luck to you

You will never hear a more honest straight talking sportsman.

One of my all time heroes if not the top one. But he has given myself and others more joy and pleasure than we could ever have hoped for evem if he called it a day now.

I've been watching this man play for half of my life, I've never had the opportunity to watch him live and I see that opportunity is fading away. Hold on Ronnie, I still want to see your magic in a live match 🙌

I try not to watch ronnies interviews because the majority are depressing but he’s the most entertaining player this country has ever seen !! Ron you are a legend and people will talk about what you have achieved forever .. !

Snooker will definitely not be the same without Ronnie. I love this man and I only watch snooker b/c of him.

I hope he keeps playing 5 years more because he is amazing to watch

Great interview. And very candid Ronnie. From a psychological point of view and one thing I wonder from watching his film… When your dad goes to prison and instead of saying he loves you, he asks you to win. Winning maybe has taken precedent over what Ronnie truly wants. Winning was seen as more important than love. It’s love with conditions. Your dad only accepts you when you win. I feel this is possibly what gave Ronnie his incredible talent because it was so poignant and deeply connected to his dad and conditional love. That’s one hell of a burden to carry. Maybe his whole life has just been a vicarious act to reap love from his dad. A tumultuous upbringing created an exquisite talent, but marred by the pain of love with conditions, and never really feeling love unless he is winning at snooker.

ronnie you have given the fans decades of unforgettable memories and respect, take a chill pill pal have a long holiday with the family on your own whatever , if you play you play if you don’t but the second you pick up a cue or commentate you’ll always have my respect and gratitude live a happy life brother ✊🏼✌️😎

Ronnie used snooker as a coping tool and he became the greatest with disregard and thats why we love this guy!

Hes always been like that, he is a rollercoaster, hes up and down like a yoyo, fact he is mopping up all the majors without caring too much just proves how much talent he has in the game. He says he is not enjoying it, but he loves it really, he needs snooker he just dont realise it.

This is extremely relatable keep your chin up Ronnie 👊

Bipolar disorder is a horrible thing, you savour the odd times you feel great but when the lows hit you can only see negativety and no joy even in the things you love..hope Ronnie can find a way to enjoy it again.

It's always hard being at the top, he's fed up with it at the moment, maybe burnt out a little, take a break, nothing to prove. He has done it all, one of the world's greatest sportsman ever.

This is hard to watch. It’s such a shame seeing anybody unhappy. Hope things start looking up soon. For Ronnie and anyone that feels lost or depressed. He has nothing left to prove to anyone, let alone himself.

Ronnie is trolling the snooker world. If you look closely you can see him pissin himself with laughter. Hes already living rent free in opposing players heads, this kind of interview is ronnie putting up an extension. Hail the mind game king.

Theres defo an element of mind games in this kinda talk. It seems there’s truth to it but it also helps to create a level of uncertainty in the other players in that it probably makes them overthink about Ronny. Behind this talk he wants all the records. The way he pushes the other players around as well shows he’s trying to unsettle them

Please Ronnie play one more world championship in April and win it, and hopefully beat Ali Carter in the final, can't stand the man

Just stop overthinking Ronnie,you’re the GOAT,be thankful you have a god given talent,it is what it is.

I've only recently begun to fall in love with this game over the last year and Ronnie is the reason why. Partly because he's so great and brings something no one else has or maybe ever will again, but because he's a man that feels real to us. He's not someone like Micheal or Brady, how they were almost super human and lived that way. He's raw like anyone walking down the street. Personally, I think as an interviewer I'd never really talk to him about the game. May e ome or two simple questions, but more so ask about his kids how was the last run he went on, is there something he is looking forward to outside of snooker in the new year. Someone in the comments before myself mentioned he's a tortured genius, and I really think that's the case. I'm not sure if he could get a hold of Tiger and talk with him. See if that may help him

He's obviously going through something difficult at the moment. Ronnie goes through highs and lows. As long as he's playing beautiful snooker we're lucky

I m a Ronnie fan. And was delighted to find he has 5 books out. I have got 4 of them on the audible app. 1 about him, his life and running and he has 3 fiction books based on a Soho Snooker Club owner called Frankie James. And have enjoyed all of them. And the 5th one i havent got yet its like biography. Im no litary buff. But i think he's a man of many talents.

Mental health❤ we all have it❤

If you stopped tomorrow Ronnie you would of achieved an accolade and we can only be privileged we had your talent this long …so thank you buddy ❤

Good interview Rob

How WST can treat this man the same as a 64 player is crazy Ronnie is snooker simple as that

Ronnie's just had a mini-counselling session here ;-)

I imagine if you are a genius at something, it must get boring playing mere mortals who are trying so hard to win and impress. I think a lot of geniuses in sport, music, art, must feel the way Ronnie does after many years. There is no competition left for them.

Legend

Love you Ronnie.❤

Wish you'd asked specifically about when he feels he DOES have good cueing.. it sounds like only very few islands of that technical form that gives him true enjoyment through his career.

I know exactly how he feels, I am in the exact same position. I have no money problem, no stress, kids all fine, been with my partner 12 years and couldn't be happier. Yet everyday I get no enjoyment out of anything, I have no motivation for anything. So with Ronnie he doesn't enjoy anything in life, yet he needs snooker to keep hime sane. Thats like Tyson Fury, Phil Taylor, it's a crazy life. I can't work it out and don't ever think I will be normal again. It come on the last 4 years and Im 40 this year Yet I have no idea why im depressed, it would help if I did have something to be depressed about. With Ronnie he is saying, winning tournaments doesn't make him happy or if he loses. It doesn't matter if he wins, if he loses, he feels the same way. He does have very bad depression at least with me I can hide away at home. People lie Ronnie, experience it in the public eye, have camera and mics put in front of him all the time. So I couldn't imagine feeling lie that and having to deal with that. He needs to have a break, get his head right, start missing the game and come back.

Ronnie shares such great insight into the mind an elite sportsman. We can all relate to that 'meh' feeling that comes with modern living. He definitely has way more pressure to perform and support who knows how many people though; let's hope he finds that joy again.

Don’t believe. Word he says a he knows what he’s doing. Legend

The key thing is the last thing he said, thankfully - he feels happy and happy in himself. Depression is a weird one; it can really tip you upside down in a number of strange ways; you can be happy and fed up almost simultaneously! Extraordinary interview, though - very honest. He probably needs to bow out, but like a lot of top athletes, he needs two things to replace Snooker: a way to sustain the level of income he is accustomed to and a challenge/purpose in life to keep his mind occupied. A lot of boxers go through that, but it's different in that sport; you can't carry on past a certain age, but theoretically, Ronnie could carry on for years, yet there is no end unless he decides to go.

Bet he's ecstatic that tonight a new tournament in Riyadh in March has just been announced and he's the star player on the flyer! That's shortened his upcoming sabbatical!

The positiveness of this interview has cheered us up in this cold weather. 🥶 Hopefully many more positive interviews like this coming. Positive attitude like Ronnie's here is GOAT 🐐 material 😎 😆 🤣 😂 😹 His pulling your legs 👍

Don't pack it in Ronnie-you are an inspiration.

Ronnie is a snooker perfectionist, that's why he's the GOAT. Even though he wins, it is more important for him to play perfect snooker and being in the zone. That's why he said he's still trying to really master the game. The Netflix documentary really was an inside into his psyche before and during tournaments. I cannot understand it completelly, but I totally get it. I still hope though that he finds his balance to play in the future, as him leaving professional snooker will leave a huge hole.

Ronnie has aged, but the mind games and wise essentials have become younger!! He’ll never pull the wool over my eyes. 🤔🙏🏻🙏🏻

It’s hard to explain how good Ronnie is at snooker. Phenomenal player.

just an absolute insane perfectionist. not happy with the results when his personal standards arent being met in other areas. long live the Rocket

tortured genius......I totally get what he is saying....he seeks perfection, and when he doesn't get it, he cant cope with it.....still the best player on the planet

Everybody gets fed up with everything at times. That's life.

Spending 35 years staring at a green table for a living.... This guy is missing out on living. The world is an amazing place and he spends his life under flourescent lights.

The EYES don't lie. I just turned 50 Jan 10th and with Ronnie around 1 year younger than me Ive always said to myself maybe Ron will hang the cue up on his 50th birthday. But seeing his eyes here we can assume pyschologically hes done. I love the man that much I'd be happy as Larry if he passed on the 17 day at the worlds. He doesnt need to proove triple triple crowns youngest and oldest in all 3. This man needs to go on holidays where your skin bakes in the sun and hot chicks deliver drinks with tiny umbrellas him and his girlfriend and when he gets back to the U.K. maybe open a snooker hall and have 1-2 unique 10 pocket tables you know that tables where they cut a slice out of it and add a table into the table. Have good tunes and a great chef. But nawww and I tell you something else thats a man's man that says he feels bad winning when these guys want it like their lives depend on it. Thats a fkn mans man's comment right there.

Compare this to his cheeky interview after the Murphy SF last week and it seems like a clear case of an emotional comedown/burnout. He was feeling good a week ago, worked himself up to a historic 8th Masters and naturally you're gonna have a mental comedown after that. Hope he takes some tournaments off and gets the recuperation he needs in time to take his 8th World Title in April. Then I really think he can stop playing, and I think he knows that that 8th title/GOAT status is the real reason he hasn't stopped.

Greatest player to ever play the game, saying its all guess work and I don't hit the cue ball very well. What a flex

Nobody in world sport still dominating 30 years after winning a major or two, insane. Sir Ronnie by age 50.

He should take a break until the worlds. Was surprised to see him at this tournament after winning the masters. The problem is that he is so good that he is winning with his b game so it’s understandable why it isn’t totally enjoyable for him because he knows what his a game feels like

Man off steel Head off wood hope he gets help best sports man on planet 🙏

He's playing to fund his off table lifestyle and not enjoying his job. Nothing wrong with that, that's what most of us are doing turning up to work each day. He should be a bit more grateful in interviews to his loyal fans, he gets so much support it's unbelievable. Great character to have in the game regardless of whether you agree or disagree with ronnie.

Thought that was a very good interview from Ronnie although a tough watch. You can see in some of his interviews and the documentary the constant battle he is going through. Having those kind of struggles mixed with being a perfectionist and a bit of a tortured genius must be very hard to cope with. On a side note, i still think he finds it really hard to believe he wins tournaments playing nowhere near his best, if there was a ready made successor I think he would fund it easier to walk away

He'll be missed when he finally calls it a day.

I really respect Ronnie for been honest but even though you may not be enjoying it, all your fans like me still love to watch you and I’m thankful for your entertainment over the years, you dedicated your life to snooker but unfortunately every sport person has there day but I believe that you have still got plenty of fuel left in the tank

Nothing wrong with the questions, it’s an insight into a flawed genius. Listen to Ronnie it’s fascinating.

The hierarchy of snooker needs to listen before it’s too late, because this is how your star attraction is feeling. Before long there will be a breakaway formed like PDC & BDO darts back in the day, and look how that turned out. Sportsmen like this come around once in a lifetime, and the pressure put on them from all angles is insane. Case in point being Gazza, and now everyone is interested in a 16yr old darts player who could just be the only person to ever get near Phil Taylor’s records. If Ronnie decides to call it a day, I hope it’s on his terms, and not because of the constant drivel he has to deal with. I hope he wins an 8th world title in May and then says that’s it. He’s then done all 3 in a season, and has the record he most deserves.

Ronnie one of the finest sportsmen the world has ever produced. But I'm fed up of his whinging and feeling sorry for himself. Enough's enough. There are so many people who'd do anything to be in his shoes. If you hate being a professional snooker player so much, then give up and do something else.

Genuinely think he's playing the game here, he loves the game, but loves to play down that he loves playing the game, it adds to the fact that he's the best and he knows it, but if he plays it down it makes it all the more extraordinary that he wins when he plays.

Watching Neal Foulds tonight on tv and he please needs a rest. He doesn't look very well at all and his left eye was closing which is a sign of high blood pressure and he looked as though he was struggling to breathe. Please rest him up until the final. Ta.

As much as I like watching him play I can’t listen to this constant moaning it’s made him 20 million he needs to quit he is obviously not happy and like he said let the others who actually enjoy the game reap the rewards

Its like an addiction once you have it multiple times it becomes boring

"There is a lot of good things that come with Snooker", "I really struggle with it", but after the Masters Semifinal win, "I'm enjoying what I do, I just pick and choose tournaments, I'm not going to sweat guts, just stay in the top 64, I'm enjoying it as I don't care", big Ronnie fan but his interviews are all over the shop.

really sorry he feels this way

I’ve just finished watching an interview of Ronnie saying he still loves snooker and now this 😂😂

We should listen to what he’s saying and let him retire. He’s given up his life for us and the sport. It’s enough Ronnie. Thank you ❤

Hes a genius and a lot of times geniuses are troubled

He needs a good Christian pastor.. he needs God 😔 He’ll never feel “sorted out” We all need Christ because ALL the pleasures of life are fleeting.. Also, Proverbs talks much about how honourable work is for a man. What you do Ronnie IS valuable to do many people and it’s what God has gifted you the ability to do well. Love ya mate 😔

Ronnie have broken snooker there’s a quote Vincent van Gough once said he dedicated his life to his art and he’s lost his mind in the process 💯

Ronnie is a very shrewd man. The non chalant, indifferent attitude that he usually displays after a big win i believe is a form of psychological warfare. He often says he played like crap and was still able to win. If you were his opponent how would that make you feel? Haha. Knowing that you couldn't even beat the weakest version of your opponent. Ronnie knows what hes doing. You see that big grin on Ronnie's face when the interviewer says not many people could've done what he did? He LOVED hearing that. Then he goes into his dismissive, depressed persona saying he wasn't even hitting the balls well and still won 😂. I don't doubt that Ronnie is and has been going through a lot mentally throughout his life, but i also believe alot of what he says is very calculated and intended to wind his opponents up and get in their heads. Basically telling them, you better be at your best, because even then you may not be good enough to beat me when I'm at my worst . Haha. LEGEND!

He’s the best guesser in the business

The thing is, Ronnie talks this way but I think he’ll find it much harder to cope with not playing when he finally decides to call it a day. Only then he’ll realise how much he’ll miss playing. Ask most retired great snooker players and they’ll all say they miss the buzz of playing in big tournaments. Also, snooker authorities want Ronnie to retire and these questions were levelled in that direction.

Don't do a line of sniff Ronnie before an interview!!! Tut tut All geniuses have mental torcher it's part of being as gifted as you are! It's the balance to the sheer brilliance!

And they say nurses have it tough. POOR OLD RONNIE

What ronnie needs is someone who can put him under pressure and make him strugle to win. Then he will have fight for the game again

Drama Queen Ronnie seems to be in full flight today!

I’m a Ronnie fan but at this stage I’m a little bored of this ‘I can’t be arsed’ schtick. If he doesn’t wanna play just don’t play

That interviewer is excellent.

Don't give up Ron... ever

Ronnie is obsessed, not by winning, but of his execution (technique). Didn't Guardiola once say "Winning is not enough".

To many tournaments it’s obvious one after another no matter how much you love the game they’re drowning in it. Jack lisowski was saying the same only recently but his depression is combined with the pressure of still trying to win his first major. Eat sleep rave repeat, scared of the unknown as he said “ it’s all I’ve known “ ( Ronnie)

O’Sullivan showing clear signs of depression here but no one takes his mental health seriously it appears. She’s clearly struggling mentally at the moment and perhaps the fact he’s not getting any joy out of winning tournaments may be adding to it.

Ronnie has unlocked 'the secret to winning'.! Play like winning the match is irrelevant.. playing the next shot is all that you're focused on.. “If you don't get what you want, you suffer; if you get what you don't want, you suffer; even when you get exactly what you want, you still suffer because you can't hold on to it forever.” ― Dan Millman, Way of the Peaceful Warrior

Kens chinese sea bass is waiting mate hurry up! 😅 @ Snooker God O Sullivan ❤❤

The goat 🐐, can say anything

Definitely not wired correctly, most geniuses aren`t. Unless of course it`s all an act to keep people talking and writing about snooker. Say what you like about Ronnie, but he keeps Snooker on the back pages and keeps the media talking about it, which is good for the game and good for all the other players.

Being around the game or so long and being the best at it and you can still get bored of that life. Maybe we shouldn't stick at something for such a long time in our lives. It's a wide world with so much in it we should explore.

Get Ronnie down to an ayahuasca camp in Central America, that’ll give him a clearer vision