Phil Taylor has heartbreakingly admitted that he'd started to go off darts - until Luke Littler came along.
Littler has been wowing fans with his performances over the past year, with the 18-year-old winning the Premier League and World Darts Championship in that time.
Taylor is widely considered to be one of the best darts players of all time, having won a staggering 214 professional titles during his career.
He initially retired in 2018 but decided to step away for a second time last year after playing on the senior tour.
Phil Taylor has heartbreakingly admitted that he'd started to go off darts - until Luke Littler came along
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Speaking to MODUS Super Series, Taylor has now revealed that he'd started to 'go off' the sport he used to love.
But that's all changed, with the veteran crediting Littler for reigniting his passion.
"It's made me watch darts again," Taylor said.
"I'd gone off darts a little bit. I was watching the same players I played with for ten years.
"So I went off it a little bit, then the Luke's have come through. It's made it exciting for me.
"Then you've got a few new faces who are playing really, really well from different countries."
Littler is currently preparing for night three of the Premier League.
The teenager struggled in Belfast but bounced back last week in Glasgow, overcoming the likes of Rob Cross, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries as he secured glory.
READ MORE:Luke Littler makes big retirement admission ahead of night three of Premier League
Phil Taylor has nothing but positive things to say about darts star Luke Littler
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One player absent from the competition is Peter Wright.
Yet Taylor thinks his old nemesis will relish the chance to reel in the likes of Littler and Humphries throughout the year.
The 64-year-old has even gone as far to suggest the pair will 'have a tough year' due to Wright.
Taylor continued: "I don't think he (Wright) wanted me to retire because he always wanted someone to aim at.
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"Peter loves if somebody is playing better, like Luke Littler at the minute, or Luke Humphries.
"That will inspire Peter and it will also inspire Michael van Gerwen as well.
"I predict he's going to be a nightmare for these players next year. When he gets the hump and he gets on that practice board, he's brilliant.
"So I think the two Luke's are going to have a tough year this year."
Phil Taylor dominated darts during his playing days
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Littler will return to action on Thursday night in the Premier League.
The competition will head to Dublin, with players then set to travel to Exeter, Berlin, Manchester, Rotterdam, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds, Aberdeen, Sheffield and London in the coming months ahead.
