Ronnie O’Sullivan opens up on new life in Dubai after EastEnders actress wife gave him ultimatum
The seven-time world snooker champion has opened up on leaving the UK and moving to Dubai with his new wife Laila Rouass
O’Sullivan and his new wife Laila Rouass have left the UK for Dubai(Image: Instagram: @ronnie)
Snooker icon Ronnie O’Sullivan has opened up on why he decided to quit the UK for a fresh start in Dubai, revealing that his new wife Laila Rouass had a big part to play in the decision.
‘The Rocket’ revealed his intentions to relocate to the Middle East following his semi-final exit at the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield earlier this year, with his long-time manager admitting that he was moving for a “quieter life” overseas.
O’Sullivan has since just done that, moving out to Dubai in the same summer he married his long-term partner and EastEnders actress Rouass. The pair tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in London, with their marriage coming as somewhat of a surprise, having reportedly separated 10 months earlier.
The couple have now settled in Dubai together, with their new home making for an easier commute for O’Sullivan when he competes in events in China and the Middle East.
The 49-year-old, who also has a snooker academy in Saudi Arabia, has praised the new facilities he has available to him, admitting to SunSport that his original plan of relocating to Sheffield had been met with an ultimatum from Rouass.
“It’s really good,” he said of his new life abroad. “I’ve got a great practice facility there, which was one of the main reasons for going. I was struggling to find somewhere to play. It was either get a train up to Sheffield or try to move to Sheffield.
“But my wife wasn’t too keen on Sheffield. So she said we either go Spain or Dubai. And I thought, well, Dubai is nearer China. Obviously it’s in the Middle East. All the tournaments that I play and all the work that I do is there. It just made sense to go to Dubai.”
On how he has settled in to life in Dubai, O’Sullivan added: “Really enjoying it out there. Great gyms. I’m enjoying that side of it. I had some friends over there before that played snooker and they’ve helped me get into Dubai life.
“I’ve met some really nice friends and fitted in really well. So yeah, it’s great. I’m not a sunbather, but I’d much rather the heat than cold, if that makes sense. Spring and autumn are my favourite times.”
O’Sullivan and Rouass married earlier this year(Image: Instagram: @ronnie)
After withdrawing from three consecutive tournaments – including the recent British Open – due to health reasons, O’Sullivan is poised to make his first appearance on the baize since August following his move abroad. He is expected to compete at the Xi’an Grand Prix, which kicks off on October 7.
The move comes after his long-time manager Jason Francis told the Daily Express that O’Sullivan – who turns 50 in December – would not participate in a full schedule of tournaments this season, but would be able to “properly prepare” for competitions having relocated from the UK.
“Ronnie’s moved out to the Middle East for a while,” he revealed. “You’ll probably see him first in Shanghai. He’s had a little break from the UK. You’re talking about someone who can’t go to the shop without being asked for a selfie, a photo. Where he is, he’s finding a life a little bit quieter at the moment.”
“Ronnie’s Ronnie. He’ll decide when he wants to play and everyone knows he can come from nowhere to win a major tournament,” Francis added. “You won’t see Ronnie play a full schedule [this season] but I think you’ll see him try and properly prepare for the tournaments he plays in.
“He’ll still be the sport’s most commercial player in the short-term. Whether Zhao Xintong or [Judd] Trump can pick up that mantle now as we transition. Ronnie will be 50 in December, people have to remember that. They still expect him to turn up and win everything.”