Ronnie O’Sullivan opens up about drugs, anxiety and pressure | Eurosport Snooker

The Breakdown Podcast is back with a bang with the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan. In an incredibly open conversation with Orla Chennaoui and Greg Rutherford, Ronnie takes us back to the dark places he promised himself he’d never return to en route to winning his record-equalling seventh World Snooker Championship title.
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[@jamesgoing4527]

He's a genius 21 majors 39 ranking titles the most centuries and 147s keeping players in their place keeping snooker relevant and sponsors happy his aura and presence is unique nobody like him everything he does makes headlines for the sport his longevity is legendary and will be his lecacy and world number 1 at 46 👌

[@tompicklescello]

I agree with everything you say, but have you heard of punctuation?? :P

[@jamesgoing4527]

@@tompicklescello get a mass said for yourself

[@valuablememories5603]

Bringing long socks back to fashion aswell!

[@ozj4137]

@@tompicklescello 😂

[@rickswords6346]

@@tompicklescello no b head response

[@gurgaon102]

Lucky to be alive during O Sullivan era. All these talks work once you've done it. No better example of 'Working hard for Passion'. Most of us either work hard on something we don't like or just work on our passion. Combine them both and result hopefully should be near Ronnie. God bless him with good health as he continues to entertain us.

[@laoch5658]

lucky to be alive? calm down mate

[@danieljamesmead]

I think a lot of people who dislike Ronnie only see his BBC post-match interviews. To be honest, he comes across as a bit of an arse in those. But every other time away from the table I've seen him talk he's a completely different guy. Lovely, approachable, engaged and honest.

[@whodouthinkuare]

Ronnie is the most interesting sportsman in the world. When you look at what he achieved in snooker as a teenager and all through his 20s while his father was in jail. His own mother was then jailed at one stage for tax evasion, so essentially he had no parents for a period. You have got to take your cap off for the guy.

[@davidgillespie8910]

Its hat lol

[@brucedickinson12]

sorry i don't wear a cap

[@Russ2311]

Is that a miners cap?

[@kierenj9416]

It's beanie

[@synrgiii]

Earl Strickland.

[@johnmaley6902]

As a Scotsman and hendry fan, I have to admit Ronnie is and always will be the best player to pick up a cue GOAT

[@Taylor___]

Learned about this video in the Metrolink newspaper, this is awesome. Ronnie O'Sullivan's records Joint most World Championships (7, equal with Stephen Hendry) Most UK Championships (7) Most Masters titles (7) Most Triple Crowns (21) Most Ranking titles (39) Most centuries (1,170) Most maximum breaks (15) Oldest ever world champion (46 years, 148 days) GOAT, nothing left to prove Ron!

[@craigfowler7098]

Also worth noting, apparently he achieved 6 maximums back to back in practice on one occasion.

[@cabbuccino5558]

Plus the fastest 147 in history...still unbeaten! The greatest player to ever hold a snooker cue!

[@theduke1163]

Also youngest ever champion

[@zakhobbsmusic]

This was a terrific interview. A very open Ronnie

[@alealejandroooooo]

The fact he is so good at snooker while he’s actually giving just half of a shit about the game makes him even more god-like to me.

[@terrysmith5168]

He pots balls , he don't save lives 🤡

[@alealejandroooooo]

@Tenerife uncovered possible

[@iMertin90]

he loves the game.. he doesnt like the way its structured and presented

[@mcloving6989]

@@terrysmith5168 what are you relating to here?

[@captoonschannel]

Ronnie has a heart and honesty. A legend in the world of sport. 🎱🚀

[@topsecret6995]

Went to junior school with him - he doesn't seemed to have changed too much but seems happier - was always involved in crazy stuff at school - good times!

[@michaeljohnson5365]

Ronnie admitting he usually gives 70-80 percent per comp but gave 100 percent at the Worlds this year

[@leerobertson7601]

I have met Ronnie a couple of times and he's just Ronnie in all situations and I admire the honesty and integrity of being this way at all times.

[@humblemonkrj971]

articulate, intelligent, insightful and interesting… ronnie seems at peace at last❤️

[@NicolaiAwesome]

31:18 is, for me, the essence of what Ronnie is as a sportsman. Inspirational stuff. The word “legend” gets thrown around a lot, but Ronnie is one.

[@mikemorris4548]

As someone who knows a fair bit about psychology, listening to Ronnie talk and watching him play are both two of the most therapeutic things ever. What Ronnie is basically saying here, is being in charge or trying to be in charge of your own life is what you need to work on, because in general life the Govnt and authorities try to be in charge of you and control you, DON'T LET THEM, no matter what. Try and become the master of your life and destiny. Anxiety is fkg horrible, unless you can learn how to somewhat control it, by using your intelligence of life, but if you feel you need to take meds to help, go for it, I don't need to really, meds make me feel worse, a headache is another thing, but anxiety is a mental disorder, fact, this doesn't mean that person is mentally unstable, that's another subject in relation to it, but lots of ppl don't understand MH (mental health).

[@Betterthantelly]

Great points.

[@David_in_Thailand]

It's such a fortunate thing to be able to know you're watching the greatest of all time whilst they're still competing rather then reading an historical account about somebody. It goes even further when that person opens up with such honesty.

[@jkreefy6684]

He's had to adapt his whole career, and still number 1! Also a man we can all relate to! Good to see him this open! COME ON RONNIE!

[@randomvideosandfunnyshit]

Ronnie o'sullivan is amazing, gonna enjoy this interview 👌🏼

[@nadimnoorani9397]

Brilliant interview. Great job by Greg and Orla (well done on your 7 years of sobriety) and of course the GOAT! Never ever be anyone like him.

[@baldersn4474]

How has this man never been Sports Personlity Of The Year ?

[@austinwilkinson6460]

“Apart from jimmy white” shows how much of a bond these 2 have !! That was lovely words from Ronnie ❤

[@Takerfanatic]

Orla's anxiety is different to what Ronnie has which is really debilitating whereas hers is more nervous energy before a show etc. Ronnie always speaks well when he's this relaxed

[@lundamark]

Fair play to her though for putting herself out there. Can't imagine what it must be like to interview a proven savant and still put your heart on your sleeve like that.

[@mehmetoruc9542]

Ronnie The Best💪 The King👑

[@MrYousufgilani]

He's so chilled out

[@politicsreporter4247]

Always a pleasure to listen to Ronnie's straight forward talk.

[@PrimarchX]

A good discussion about anxiety. As an aside, I watch Ronnie vids when I'm feeling anxious. I just find the pace, the flow, the evolution of his breaks to be soothing along with the sheer pleasure of watching a great at his trade.

[@jackphilips9526]

When does he mention anxiety?

[@PrimarchX]

@@jackphilips9526 I can't remember exactly. But there's a whole subtopic on how he handles the anxiety of competition like ~20 min in (?).

[@jackphilips9526]

@@PrimarchX Ronnie doesn't suffer with anxiety...... Look at the way he plays..... he's arguably the most confident player ever to pick up a cue. As a young playter he was cocky, he clearly enjoyed the game. Lol anxiety PMSL

[@PrimarchX]

@@jackphilips9526 If you insist. I was just commenting on the content of the interview.

[@sportionary]

@@PrimarchXhe mentions it 13 minutes in

[@silocybe83]

really enjoyed that interview. Had a good layed back feel ,respect to the interviewers. Good to see Ronnie chilled and on form , legend

[@shanghaiffgg]

Ronnie is my idol, an amazing man. But I have to say that Orla's reactions made this interview, what a real wonderful girl.

[@Tenmented]

The most naturally gifted sportsman on the whole planet he dont get the recognition he deserves

[@dodotheripper11]

One of , if not the most honest man I have ever seen Wish you all the best mate

[@darringodden7225]

I have missed Ronnie completely as I am not a modern snooker enthusiast. This captivated me due to honesty. The anxiety was the interest in my viewing and I really found it exciting and understand a lot more about this brain action and it's function. Brilliant video and thank you.

[@Trent5281]

Really great interview! Props to the interviewers as I was here for Ronnie but equally enjoyed listening to you guys.

[@Respected_Gentleman]

*LEGEND!*

[@vinylrulesok8470]

What i find incredible about Ronnie is that he"s been one of the very best players for over 30 years now. In any sport, that's incredible. And he could keep going for another 10 years easy!!!

[@stevecroft3973]

Looking forward to this !

[@AminAramoon]

Thank you for this amazing interview! I am a big fan of the rocket, very much enjoyed this.

[@tomclayton3445]

Sensational journey! Sensational talent! Sensational human! Snooker GOD! True inspiration you are! You are the one and only, Ronnie! There would never be another, ever! Mad respect and love:)

[@jtang2529]

This guy is the best professional sportsman the world, let alone England, has ever seen. Any sport, he’s top of the lot. Why oh why isn’t he held up there as a beacon of what true professional sportsmanship can be?! In China he’s looked upon as a pure genius of his discipline, held in the same regard as the most respected shaolin monks and leaders in their chosen fields. I love him.

[@craigfowler7098]

That was genuinely the most interesting sports interview I have ever seen.

[@weSnooker]

Been waiting for the video version of this podcast

[@TheMarkSpurs]

What a good, calm, revealing interview. Thoroughly enjoyed that.

[@Respected_Gentleman]

Brilliant player and an excellent commentator too.

[@global-reset]

he's an awful commentator LOL

[@Mod-rw9cw]

This why I love and respect him so much.The only reason I still watch snooker is him.

[@Mr_Jingles_147]

I've played Ronnie in an exhibition and followed his entire career. When he talks about abandonment, I call it "taking your brain out", when you cant remember 90% of your shots, frames etc because you've literally disconnected yourself and its pure instinct. I recently played Jimmy White in an exhibition and was so zoned into the game that I had to watch it back on video as I couldnt remember most of it. When Ronnie doesn't care, or doesn't need to care, he's either reckless or a level above everyone else, and thats what fans love.

[@jonathantopp1918]

The goat. Looking forward to watching this.

[@Smudgie]

I can't even imagine that much pressure. Or the ability to shut it out for all those pressure shots.

[@philipeick-vocalmusic]

Wonderfully natural and unpretentious interview even though they were talking about quite deep stuff. So valuable and interesting!

[@neilloughran506]

Love this man, genius and straight talking x

[@mastersofsea529]

GOAT what an iconic moment when he won his 7th what a talented individual we are blessed to have him

[@jordansales5126]

Even if you don’t like or play snooker you can take something from this man great interview

[@rossmiller7741]

Well done Ronnie opening up and many thanks for some of the most classic games in snooker history.

[@DavidPerez-te3bk]

Thank you, Ronnie for being open and honest in your interview, I'm a fan of Snookers and yours Sir. sorry that I don't have any post or pics. working on my KZbin Channel and story line, baest on my life and starting my own business in my home town of Watsonville Ca, and graduating from college 2023. Thank you Ronnie Love David T Perez.

[@resi_TV]

Ronnie is a beautiful person! It's why we all love Ronnie! ♥

[@mancman-bu4kz]

Absolutly love ronnie, down to earth blunt and savage lol, love to hang out with this guy.

[@williambremner9022]

Wonderful interview! It's just so cool to get inside Ronnie's head and listen to him for an hour. He has such an aura about him (very well-earned aura) and his sport persona sometimes seems inpenetrable but there really is a complex, sometimes troubled / vulnerable amazing person inside there. Thank you for sharing with us Ronnie. You're an amazing sportsman and a delightful person and I've truly enjoyed watching you for the past 35 years. P.S. I wonder how Barry Hawkins is feeling about that comment! Ha ha!

[@Andy-Bodhi]

You watched him for 35 years?

[@williambremner9022]

@@Andy-Bodhi yes...well, 30 actually! Followed, to be more precise.

[@NZVideoGuy]

Ronnie O'Sullivan is, imho, the most watchable player in snooker. He looks like a snooker player, whereas some of the competition look like they've been dragged out of a pub. As a snooker player myself over the last 50yrs, I just have so much respect for his endless achievements.

[@jimboTTT]

Totally true, when I started watching snooker back in 2007-2008 and had no idea who the players are, he was the first one that I liked and cheered for haha

[@stephenmccabe6850]

One of, if not the best sports man England has ever had and always a class interview

[@mattverville9227]

Agree and as an American I think you could make an argument best sportsman the world has ever see. I think he's right there with the greatest legends

[@sainsburmcmanus]

Credit to Orla and Greg, we all know how Ronnie interviews can go when he’s probed and poked at. As a lifelong Ronnie fan it’s a real pleasure to be able to see this.

[@dodotheripper11]

Feel exactly like that . Nicely put

[@pascal.mueller]

Phenomenal interview!

[@shakubob]

Incredible player. That’s why it’s called The Crucible. Glad he came to his senses without harming himself. His legacy which he passes on to the new geniuses is massive. Thanks Ronnie. Sir, it’s more about a new level of spirit than age. Up we go!

[@davidrea5253]

Brilliant interview always great listening to Ronnie

[@Kal-ol4iy]

My favourite sportsman of all time.

[@Mysterywhiteboy78]

I can relate to the anxiety and the ' genetics ' some people just don't deal well with stress and pressure by nature.

[@Alex-ng6wx]

Great interview

[@TheJohnCooperShow]

id love to interview ronnie, ive grown up with him and gone through every high and low with him fo rpast 30 years

[@paulkitchen1846]

A great ambassador for the sport and a 147 in just over 5 minutes, a wizard.

[@kevinbrennan2004]

It's a great view, when you get to the top of the mountain. It's also a great feeling, when you can look down on your subjects.

[@frankberryfilms]

Absolutely unbelievable player, even more so to last this long and stay elite for this length of time. More fun to watch than anyone else, a complicated bloke, bags of personality; a classic flawed genius - snooker just won't ever be the same once he retires

[@vernonredmon7211]

I did not know I needed to watch this video, I understand how he feel with anxiety.

[@neilbrown6559]

Lots of Respect Seen him in a exhibition match in Blackburn best player the world has ever seen Amazing person

[@ciaranperry4677]

People talking about anxiety who clearly don't suffer anxiety beyond basic everyday level like everyone does, Orla has literally no idea what she's talking about.

[@dusanstanisic7567]

Finally someone to call out that moron. Anxiety is never a good thing. Luckily, I've never had it, but I'm sure it's pretty awful.

[@clairequinn2065]

proper anexity u freeze and u cant perform its over stimilated and its a total energy waster. experience makes a big difference and u have nailled it. amazing guy

[@DIGITAL-JESUS]

Arguably the best sportsman alive...defo the best from England... Some people don't consider Snooker to be a sport...those people should have a go on a real table n just try to pot any 3 balls in a row without missing....then realise Ronnie can pot a ball from basically any angle n also put the white ball wherever he wants within centimetres. G.O.A.T

[@stretham123]

Fantastic interview and great insights from a defo GENIUS....

[@themayorofflair]

Knowing oneself is the most powerful tool of them all. Fair play Ronnie, long may it continue to liberate you.

[@user-bk2fo7ny9s]

i love this man!

[@jameshickey1294]

Most natural-humble- ronnie is something else-, hes learned from som old greats like white n Higgins how to stay in the game at the top - its incredible wat hes done an more to come - term legend is over used alot nowadays but ronnie is defo in that club 👏

[@CFCseventy]

Real life legend

[@laurencefahey2085]

I’m going to adopt the smiley face /sad face diary , that hit home with me 👍

[@ronental6424]

love that guy

[@RalphieMuskinyaar]

If Ronnie had an easier personal life in the beginning of his career. He would have won twice as many titles as he has now. But even with that he has risen above the rest. Absolutely incredible.

[@guusless]

I like how he gives himself a full head massage during the interview.

[@reecewilkinson7435]

Genuine genius! Will never be another 🚀

[@augustaccount4160]

Yes, there will

[@sandyjonesmusic]

Thanks Ronnie!

[@zamiadams4343]

Genius of the game.

[@jwr04CFC]

Ever since he had that beemer with the silly number plate CUE 130Y,just a teenager but destined to be the best. Legend Ron,respect..🙏🏻 reckon Orla is pretty sweet on ya too haha

[@leecorcoran6174]

The best and the ultimate talent 👍👍

[@tahirmahmood1150]

legend❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@michaelmacaroni187]

Legend absolute legend

[@user-eg8ou4oi8l]

I understand this incredible psychological pressure thing with Ronnie O'Sullivan. Because the reward system of the human mind works in such a way that when you achieve success, and especially when you achieve exceptional success or achievements, you need rest. Also, if you have a lot of attention for a long time, then I think it can be more difficult to deal with the state where less people are paying attention to you.

[@brynteelingtheriverthieves3266]

What a geezer

[@MODERNDAYROCKERS]

Ronnies a mans man legend in the game

[@peteWxM1970]

RONNIE you would feel low without snooker in your life.after a few years I mean.You should never throw a god given talent away. The most amazing thing I find about you is when you reach the final black on many 147’s you had you don’t seem to worry/concentrate or bother whether you are on 140 or a 14 break.amazing to hear at the beginning your emotional 😭 afterwards

[@gerc94]

Blink and you’ll miss him, it’s the ROCKET, Ronnie O’Sullivan

[@adamsharp201]

There is levels in all professional sport and Ronnie is by far the best in his sport. X

[@shawndonohoe2789]

Great interview with the GOAT, ask him if he has ever heard of Gabe Tarini. If he hasn't tell him to ask Cliff Thornburn about him. And you should have talked about his ability to play both hands.

[@georget4930]

Ronnie literally is THE GOAT... name another sports person that could take a year off and be world champion at the end of it! WIns 2012 WC Takes a year out dedicated to competitive running and plays one competitive game all season 12-13" WIns 2013 WC

[@simonkyle2009]

Remember when he asked how much for a 147 before hitting a 147 Genius

[@paulhayton3423]

Nice socks, love you Ronnie, magical player..

[@MrBlazer3585]

Love what he says about Barry Hawkins...