Michael van Gerwen has provided an update to fans after taking a break from darts earlier this summer following his split from his wife.
Van Gerwen, 36, a three-time world champion, confirmed back in May that he and partner Daphne had separated after more than 10 years of marriage.
The pair, who began dating in 2008 and tied the knot in 2014, have two children together – Mike and Zoe – and the Dutchman spent a period of time away from the oche as he attempted to deal with his new reality.
Speaking at the time, van Gerwen had said: ‘It is with great sadness that I inform you that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship. As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments.
‘I am sorry to disappoint my fans, but I trust that they will understand my decision. We are facing a difficult time and ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.’
The 36-year-old subsequently returned to action but he has been enjoying some time away from the sport this summer, which included him attending the iconic festival Tomorrowland and partying in Ibiza.
Michael van Gerwen has opened up on his split from his wife Daphne earlier this summer
Van Gerwen spent time partying in Ibiza recently and attended a Martin Garrix (L) concert
The three-time world champion said he was trying to ‘take time for himself’ and do ‘fun things’
And, speaking to Dutch outlet AD, van Gerwen gave a candid insight into how he is coping with the split a few months on, while he also opened up on his time on holiday.
‘I’m just human, you know,’ he said. ‘At some point, you want to think about nice things again, not just be preoccupied with the mess you’re experiencing at that moment.
‘I couldn’t write this script myself, so I’ll have to deal with it in a way I think is right. You could just sit around and grieve all day, but that’s pointless. So you do fun things, take time for yourself.’
During his time in Ibiza, van Gerwen was seen at a Martin Garrix concert at the famous beach club Ushuaia, and some had suggested he was taking his eye off darts.
But the Dutchman refuted this and added: ‘But I was just on holiday with my kids in Ibiza, you know. Yes, I did go out for a day, but doesn’t everyone do that?
‘People emphasize that, but what others say about it doesn’t really matter to me. They should just experience what I went through… you have to get on with your life and find closure, even though that’s easier said than done.’
Van Gerwen also discussed his attempts to find a new routine and balance in his life with his children now his priority.
Van Gerwen was away with his kids Mike and Zoe and said they are now his priority in life
He also revealed he remains dedicated to darts and expressed his excitement for the future
‘Is that working?,’ he said. ‘Not quite yet. It takes time. I have all sorts of balls to juggle. I’m still in the middle of the divorce. Not everything will be fine within a few days. You’re dealing with the final settlements, the aftermath. You have to do that carefully, without mistakes.’
Elsewhere, Van Gerwen’s form did dip earlier this year, but he insisted he remains dedicated to the sport and is excited for what’s ahead.
‘I haven’t done anything for three weeks,’ he explained. ‘But I do that often. I still love darts and I’m not reluctant at all.
‘But since having my children, I’ve always said that darts is no longer my number one priority. My children are my number one priority, and then everything else comes.
‘But ultimately, it’s my livelihood, and if you’re good at darts, you can give more to the kids. It’s all interconnected; I’m very aware of that.’
