RONNIE O’SULLIVAN says he must quit snooker if he is to enjoy his life.

The Rocket was knocked out of the williamhill.com UK Championship 6-5 by Judd Trump in a thrilling last 16 clash at the Barbican and the 36-year-old insists he doesn’t see himself playing much longer.

It is not the first time multiple world and UK champ has threatened to hang up his cue but, having been dogged by bouts of depression throughout his 20-year career, O’Sullivan believes he now understands why he has suffered so much in the past.

Arguably the most naturally gifted player to hold a cue, O’Sullivan says he will try to “tough it out”. But, admitting he wants to settle down, he believes that for “peace of mind” he must find a new path away from the game.

“Even though I’m in a good frame of mind, and I am managing it and handling it well, I don’t want to feel how I feel when I play,” he explained. “My game is not up to scratch, it’s not where I would like it to be, where it used to be.

“It’s not even playing, it’s how I feel in between matches and tournaments. It leaves me feeling quite nervy and anxious a lot of the time and I feel like I’ve had enough of the anxious moments in between games, matches and tournaments.

“Having those emotions going round in general, I find quite difficult. I feel really well, the best I have ever done, I’m saying it because I am in a very good place. I don’t feel angry or hurt, I just feel sometimes the truth needs to be told. I’ve given it a really good go, but how long? I don’t know.

“I want to enjoy my life. I’m 36 and I would like to meet somebody. I would like to share my time with somebody. When I’m feeling the way I feel between tournaments I find that very difficult to happen.

“There’s more to life, or there is for me. I will probably try to tough it out for a little bit.

“Everybody knows I’ve been seeing Dr Steve Peters and he’ll probably kill me for saying this and opening up like this. I will obviously talk to him and I think for my own peace of mind, my own life, there is life beyond snooker.”