Ronnie O'Sullivan has started a new chapter in Dubai after marrying his long-term partner, Laila Rouass, in June and relocating to the UAE, after his new wife gave him an ultimatum about where they should live.
The seven-time world champion revealed that Rouass wasn't keen on moving to Sheffield, where he'd been considering settling for better practicing facilities. Instead, she offered him two choices: Spain or Dubai.
The 49-year-old chose Dubai over Spain because it's closer to China, where many of his tournaments take place, and to his snooker academy in Saudi Arabia. He'd been struggling to find suitable places to practise in the UK.
"It was either get a train up to Sheffield or try to move to Sheffield," O'Sullivan told The Sun.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has started a new chapter in Dubai after marrying his long-term partner Laila Rouass in June and relocating to the UAE, after his new wife gave him an ultimatum about where they should live
|GETTY
"But my wife wasn't too keen on Sheffield. So she said we either go Spain or Dubai.
"I thought, well, Dubai is nearer China. Obviously it’s in the Middle East," he said.
"All the tournaments that I play and all the work that I do is there; it just made sense to go to Dubai."
O'Sullivan has found plenty to love about his new home in the UAE. He's particularly pleased with the practice facilities and gyms available to him there.
Ronnie O'Sullivan preferred a move to Dubai over Spain
|PA
"I've got a great practice facility there, which was one of the main reasons for going," he explained.
"Really enjoying it out there. Great gyms. I'm enjoying that side of it.
"I've met some really nice friends and fitted in really well."
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While he's not one for sunbathing, the Rocket admitted he prefers the warmth of Dubai to the cold of England.
The couple tied the knot in a low-key ceremony in East London earlier in the summer, with O'Sullivan announcing the news on Instagram with the caption: "We finally made it official!! Mr & Mrs O'Sullivan."
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Getting used to married life has been an adjustment for O'Sullivan, who has three children from previous relationships.
He admits it took time to naturally use the word "wife" in conversation.
"At first I was like, 'oh, to say that word', but now it feels pretty normal. It's nice," he said.
"Everyone just knows where they are a bit more. It probably feels a bit more mature, I suppose.
"Everything's good. Everyone's happy, which is the main thing."