Luke Littler hints at early darts retirement as teenager gives verdict on potential Rishi Sunak meeting

Luke Littler hints at early darts retirement as teenager gives verdict on potential Rishi Sunak meeting

WATCH NOW: Luke Littler dealt snub by fellow darts star

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 24/02/2024

- 10:20

Updated: 05/03/2024

- 17:06

The 17-year-old has become a household name ever since bursting onto the scene

Luke Littler has admitted he could retire from darts in the next 10 to 15 years despite his obvious talent.

And the 17-year-old has claimed he's 'not really' bothered about meeting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, too.


Littler has enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence ever since shining at the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

Though he was unable to win that prize, with Luke Humphries reigning supreme instead, the youngster captivated the nation with some sublime displays at the oche.

Luke Littler

Luke Littler has admitted he could be finished with darts by the time he's 27

GETTY

Littler has now spoken to The Times, with the darts star giving the publication a tour of his home in Warrington.

When asked about all his trophies on show, he said: “There’s a big windowsill and a little windowsill and they’ve all got trophies and when you go down, as you come in the house, there’s a set of drawers with just trophies on it, and in the living room there’s trophies on the floor.

"Then I’ve got trophies in boxes in drawers. So, literally, no room [for more].”

The teenager was then told he'd need a bigger home if he continues to perform to his current high standard.

And Littler then suggested that he could retire from darts within the next 10 to 15 years.

“I’ve been playing a long time in the juniors, in the old British Darts Federation," he said.

“I might just do 10 or 15 years and retire, if I’ve had enough.”

Littler believes being a darts player can take a toll, with the youngster saying he needs to 'look after himself' to ensure he can perform to the best of his ability.

“It’s just about looking after yourself on tour," he continued.

“Soon as I got my tour card, my manager sat me down and said when you finish it could be 11 or 12, it’s literally all fast food, burgers or whatever.

"So I’ve got to look after myself, eat before I play.

“And when I’ve finished, even if I stay up to whenever, I just won’t eat.

"This is my new way of living. I love darts, and it’s going to be like this for ten, fifteen years.”

Littler then shed light on potentially meeting the Prime Minister.

A member of his entourage revealed Sunak had previously wanted that to happen. However, Littler isn't too bothered about that honour - with the youngster admitting he doesn't pay much attention to politics.

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Luke Littler darts

Luke Littler has captivated the world of darts with some sensational performances at the oche

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"Not really," he said when asked if he was bothered about meeting Sunak.

“I don’t really know what goes on with the prime minister, or whoever’s involved, really.”

For now, Littler is focused on boosting his trophy collection and continuing to establish himself among the elite.

He's yet to win a round in the Premier League this term and was beaten by Michael van Gerwen in Newcastle on Thursday night.

And Van Gerwen thinks it's unfair how much pressure Littler is having to cope with due to his young age and lack of experience.

Rishi Sunak

Luke Littler isn't too bothered about meeting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

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"He's a young kid. How much pressure everyone puts on his shoulders is insane," he said.

"I know, as a player, how it is. I don't think it's fair on him. But that's my opinion."

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