'I've had lots of things said about me over the years, but does it make any difference? Not really'
Friday 5 May 2017 07:25, UK
Phil Taylor has revealed that his plan was to retire from darts two years ago but PDC chairman Barry Hearn talked him out of it.
The greatest player of all time is set to retire at the end of the 2018 World Championship at Alexandra Palace after a phenomenal career in which he has done more than anyone to make darts the force it is today.
But in an exclusive interview with Michael van Gerwen earlier this season, the Dutchman said Taylor "should have retired two years ago" and the 16-time world champion agrees.
"If that's his opinion, then that's his opinion," the 56-year-old told Sky Sports. "Everyone has an opinion and that's his opinion - I don't really care what people think.
Life's too short to worry about other people
"Maybe I should have retired two years ago and my plan was to retire two years ago but it was Barry [Hearn] who talked me out of it. Life's too short to worry about other people.
"I've got the rest of my life to think about. What people think about me and whatever they say, I don't really care to be honest with you and I've had a lot of things said about me over the years. But does it make any difference? Not really. They don't pay my gas or electric bills.
"I've had a good living out of it and I've enjoyed every minute of it and that's all that matters."
The six-time Premier League champion has a fight on his hands to reach the play-offs at London's O2 with two matches of the regular season remaining.
Taylor has been left clinging on to his own top-four spot ahead of the highly-anticipated match against world No 1 Van Gerwen in Sheffield this Thursday before a crunch clash against his protégé Adrian Lewis next week in Aberdeen.
Defeat against the mighty Dutchman could leave Taylor on the brink of elimination for the first time since 2015 with Raymond van Barneveld, Dave Chisnall and fellow Stoke thrower Lewis all in with a shout of qualification.
You can see all the action from the Sheffield Arena on Thursday from 7pm on Sky Sports 2 HD, including the clash between Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor.
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