Gerwyn Price has no intention of returning to the Premier League next year despite pouring cold water on suggestions that he could be about to retire.
The 39-year-old has experienced a dip in form over the last few months, having failed to qualify for the Grand Slam of Darts despite winning the competition three times in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
It means he is not expecting to receive a Premier League call-up, with the 2025 edition unlikely to feature a single Welsh player for the first time in seven years.
Discussing the possibility of a return next year, Price made it clear that he would not be interested in a Premier League place even if he is offered one, having switched his focus to ranking events.
“It’s been a really tough year for me, especially the Premier League,” he told Sky Sports at an exhibition on Thursday night.
“I’m not sure about the Premier League next year, don’t think I’d even accept it if I get in anyway. I just want to concentrate on ranking events. I’ve been practising really well the last couple of weeks but as soon as you get on stage, it just doesn’t happen.
“That’s just because of having no confidence, but I’ve been in positions where I’ve played well all year and then rubbish in the World Championships, so fingers crossed it’s the other way around.”
Reflecting on his absence from the Grand Slam, which was won by Luke Littler, Price said: “Sometimes it’s nice to have a break, but on the other hand, I like to use my games as my practise because I’m not a huge practiser.
“Having three weeks off before the Players Championship didn’t help. I don’t practise as much in the house as I should. Jonny Clayton lives miles away, so I haven’t really got anyone to play against.”
A few weeks ago, Price released a statement to confirm that he would not be giving up darts any time soon. It was in response to his future being questioned after failing to qualify for the Grand Slam and finishing second-bottom in the Premier League.
Posting a story to his 305,000 followers on Instagram, Price said: “When the last 10 years have been constant travelling, darts or down time with the family, you lose touch with everything else going on around you without even knowing it.
“Now, there’s no darts, it’s like trying to fill a void. I finally realise my life is darts and without it, I don’t know what to do with myself. Fortunately, or unfortunately for some, you’re all stuck with me.”
