Former world darts champion Michael Smith broke down in tears during an interview following his return to competitive action at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.
The 35-year-old St Helens player, competing in his first televised tournament since March, became visibly upset whilst discussing his absence from the sport.
Smith revealed his frustration at being sidelined whilst watching fellow professionals compete for titles.
Fighting back tears, he admitted feeling angry about missing tournaments due to injury, stating that observing others' success from his sofa had been particularly difficult to endure during his lengthy rehabilitation period.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
The emotional scenes followed Smith's 5-3 triumph against Nathan Aspinall on Saturday evening, marking his comeback after eight months away from televised competition.
Despite averaging merely 88.21, Smith capitalised on his opponent's failure to convert 20 attempts at doubles.
The victory held special significance given Smith's extensive medical challenges throughout 2024.
The former world number one has endured arthritis in his throwing hand, complications with his shoulder joint, and difficulties with both his foot and ankle.
Former world darts champion Michael Smith broke down in tears during an interview following his return to competitive action
|PA
Additionally, he underwent laser eye treatment in July to address vision problems, temporarily stepping away from professional competition to recover.
During his post-match interview with Viaplay, Smith expressed raw emotion about his enforced absence.
"I just want to be competing. I'm sick of sitting at home watching people win tournaments and I'm sat at home. It p***** me off. S*** happens, I guess," he said through tears.
The 2023 world champion emphasised that competing on major stages defines his identity.
LATEST SPORT NEWS
Michael Smith has contended with several injuries over his career | PA"Winning matches, that's who I'm about, that's Michael Smith, not sitting at home. Being on big stages listening to the crowds, that's me," he said.
Smith acknowledged his opponent should have secured victory, admitting: "Nathan should have won that. He should have won that 5-0, easy. I just hung in there and I got the job done in the end."
He also adamantly rejected any suggestion of retirement despite his physical struggles. "Not once," he declared when questioned about potentially ending his career.
Smith cited previous instances of competing through severe injuries, including reaching the UK Open semi-finals with a leg wound.
Smith faces world number one Luke Humphries on Sunday before concluding his group campaign against American Alex Spellman
|PA
The thrower's mentality has defined his career since his teenage years.
"I broke both my hands when I was 19, had casts for five months and then when I got them took off, within two weeks I won my first ProTour at 19. I'm a fighter, that's it. I'll be back, don't worry," he insisted.
Smith added: "It’s been a long road, it’s been a battle.
"Just everything. Injuries, life itself. To get up there, to win that match is a bit emotional and I’m just glad to get over the line."
Smith faces world No 1 Luke Humphries on Sunday before concluding his group campaign against American Alex Spellman.