Darts legend Phil Taylor has officially announced his complete retirement from the sport as his manager confirmed that health issues have played an integral role.
The 16-time world champion, who stepped away from professional competition in 2018, has now confirmed he will no longer play darts at all, including in exhibition matches.
The 64-year-old made the announcement in a statement on his website, citing health issues as the reason for hanging up his arrows for good.
Taylor said in his statement: "After a long and fantastic career over the last 40 years, I announce that from today I am retiring from playing darts.
Phil Taylor has announced his complete retirement from darts
Phil Taylor
"It has been a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and passionate community."
The darts icon expressed gratitude to his supporters, adding: "Your encouragement and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind my success. A journey which has enabled me to achieve more than I could have ever imagined."
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Phil Taylor is renowned as the best darts player of all time
PATaylor also hinted at future involvement in darts, saying: "As one chapter closes, another one opens."
The Stoke legend initially retired from professional darts on 1 January 2018, when he narrowly missed out on a fairytale ending to his career, losing the World Championship final to Rob Cross at Alexandra Palace.
Despite stepping away from the professional game, Taylor had continued to play in exhibition matches and some Seniors events over the past seven years.
In a video message on his website, Taylor clarified: "I'm officially announcing that I've finished playing darts now.
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"So if anybody wants to come and see me, I won't be playing darts now."
Taylor's complete retirement comes after dealing with several health issues.
According to his manager Bob Glenn, Taylor "doesn't play darts any more and he hasn't done for well over 12 months. That's thanks to having his hip done and his eyes done."
The announcement follows an incident where a fan was disappointed after attending an event expecting to see Taylor play.
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Phil Taylor won his last world titles at the age of 52GETTYTaylor was reportedly "horrified" to learn the event had been advertised as featuring him playing, when promoters had been informed months earlier this wouldn't be the case.
Taylor reassured fans he would still be available for meet-and-greets, saying: "You can meet me, greet me, have a picture with me, have a chat with me, but I won't be playing darts anymore. Just to let you know, so you're not disappointed."
The darts icon plans to remain connected to the sport in different ways, stating: "I look forward to meeting fans old and new around the country and I will continue to update this website with future announcements.
"Please stay tuned for upcoming events, appearances, and projects that I am excited to undertake."
