Michael van Gerwen has opened up on his struggles amid a divorce from his wife of 10 years, Daphne, and his father Henri’s cancer battle.
The three-time world champion, 36, confirmed in May that he and Daphne had separated after more than 10 years of marriage and that he would be taking a break from competing.
A video circulating on social media last Saturday showed the darts star involved in a brawl inside a kebab shop, although Van Gerwen insisted it was made out to be ‘more dramatic than it actually was’.
Speaking to the Sun, Van Gerwen said he was going through the toughest period of his life. ‘Yes, 100 per cent, without a shadow of a doubt,’ he said.
He admitted he was ‘not yet’ in the right headspace. ‘I’m in the middle of a divorce, I take my time sometimes with the kids. Everything is different now with me. I need to find a new routine.
‘Of course it’s going to take another couple of months before I’m 100 per cent settled in. I’ll be back, don’t worry! The tournaments are tougher, you need to invest time and get back on the practice board. You need to find a solution for my private life. Everything has to fall in place.’
Michael van Gerwen confirmed in May that he and Daphne had separated after more than 10 years of marriage and he has recently said he ‘needs to find a solution for my private life’
Van Gerwen spent time partying in Ibiza recently and attended a Martin Garrix (left) concert
Van Gerwen’s father is set to undergo seven weeks of radiotherapy and ‘probably’ chemotherapy. ‘They think that they have removed everything for the second time in 18 months,’ he added.
Van Gerwen and Daphne had been together for over 17 years and have two children – Mike and Zoe.
At the time, he 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 As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments.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.’
Van Gerwen has since returned to competition and will face Dirk van Duijvenbode on Tuesday as he bids for a seventh World Grand Prix title in Leicester.
In the off-time, he has been seen enjoying some time away from the sport this summer, which included him attending the iconic festival Tomorrowland and partying in Ibiza.
Van Gerwen and Daphne had been together for 17 years and have two children – Mike and Zoe
During his time on the Spanish island, 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, telling Dutch outlet AD: ‘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 emphasise 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.’
