Luke Littler has revealed his career will be dictated by desire rather than financial gain, with the teenage sensation setting his sights on claiming every major title multiple times over.
The darts prodigy shares the same philosophy as Michael van Gerwen when it comes to knowing when to step away from the sport.
"That's down to me. Whether I still want it in 10 or 15 years, whether I've achieved everything I want. The goal is to win every major, multiple times," Littler explained.
On the question of retirement, he echoed the Dutch legend's approach: "Like Michael says, when the fire goes, you'll know."
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Ahead of Night Nine of the Premier League Darts in Manchester, Littler expressed his determination.
"Yeah, I'm always excited to come to Manchester and play my darts. Hopefully I can get another win here," he said.
The teenager has set himself a demanding benchmark for securing his place at Finals Night in London, despite historical data suggesting a lower threshold would suffice.
Luke Littler has revealed his career will be dictated by desire rather than financial gain, with the teenage sensation setting his sights on claiming every major title multiple times over
|GETTY
"Over the last few years, around 25 or 26 points gets you in. I've said myself, call it 30 points and then I'll say I'm in," Littler stated.
His journey to the summit has been far from straightforward, having occupied seventh position early in the campaign before climbing to first place.
"That's darts, it's a crazy sport. You win some, you lose some. You have bad moments and better ones. A few weeks didn't go to plan, but just look where I am now," he reflected.
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Five things to know about Luke Littler | PA"I don't think I'm ever out of a game. Against Gezzy [Gerwyn Price], going 50 down and winning showed that. At 53 I said to myself, 'I've got him.' You could see him starting to miss.
"Sometimes it feels like I'm 10 or 20 up before I even get on stage.
"Some players treat it like their final when they play me.
"It's belief in yourself and your ability. I don't think I'm ever beaten in a game."
Littler expressed surprise at seeing Luke Humphries languishing outside the top four, given their shared dominance of the sport in recent times.
Luke Littler is dreaming of more Premier League glory
| PA"Yes, it does surprise me. But there's still a long way to go. It wouldn't surprise me if he makes the top four and gets to the O2," he said of his rival.
The teenager remains realistic about the unpredictable nature of the competition, drawing on his own experience as evidence.
"Anyone can win a night. I was seventh after a few weeks and still ended up top," he said.
"You're looking at the top four, maybe top five but anything can happen."