Ronnie O’Sullivan: ‘I could have been the ultimate player. When I was 14, I was perfect’

R aised in Essex, O’Sullivan, 47, won his first UK Championship at the age of 17. He is regarded as the greatest snooker player of all time, having won seven world, seven Masters and seven UK titles. He is currently the world No 1. He published his first autobiography, Ronnie, in 2003; his latest, Unbreakable, has just been released. He lives in Essex with actor Laila Rouass and has three children.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?I’ve got no patience.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?That they think they know it all.

What is your most treasured possession?My snooker cue.

Describe yourself in three words:Stubborn, driven and disciplined.

What would your superpower be?To make people happy.

What makes you unhappy?Feeling rushed.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?My nose – it’s big.

If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?Muhammad Ali.

Who would play you in the film of your life?Jack O’Connell wants to play me. He’s a snooker fan.

Who is your celebrity crush?Monica Bellucci.

Would you choose fame or anonymity?Anonymity.

To whom would you most like to say sorry and why?Frank Adamson, my first coach, for not spending more time with him in his later years. I feel bad about that.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?My dog Osho, a bichon frise.

What does love feel like?It makes you feel like you want to live.What is the worst job you’ve ever done?Doing the audiobook of the first book. It was hard. I couldn’t do that again.

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