Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan has quit the UK for a new life in Dubai - after his wife gave him an ultimatum

He told The Sun: "It's really good. I've got a great practice facility there, which was one of the main reasons for going.

"I was struggling to find somewhere to play. It was either get a train up to Sheffield or try to move to Sheffield.

"But my wife wasn't too keen on Sheffield. So she said we either go Spain or Dubai."

Ronnie picked UAE because it is closer to China, where he plays regular snooker tournaments, and he is "really enjoying" his time in Dubai so far.

He added: "I thought, well, Dubai is nearer China. Obviously it's in the Middle East.

"All the tournaments that I play and all the work that I do is there. It just made sense to go to Dubai.

Really enjoying it out there. Great gyms. I'm enjoying that side of it.

"I had some friends over there before that played snooker and they've helped me get into Dubai life.

I've met some really nice friends and fitted in really well. So yeah, it's great."

Ronnie and Footballers' Wives actress Laila rekindled their romance in May, 10 months after they split, and they went on to tie the knot in June.

The happy couple married in Shadwell, East London, where Laila was born.

Ronnie - who was born in the West Midlands, but brought up in Chigwell, Essex - announced the news on Instagram, writing: "We finally made it official!! Mr + Mrs O'Sullivan"

Laila - who has an Indian mother and a Moroccan father - posted: "Palestinians have taught me so much, most importantly to honour human connection, make love your motivator and to keep refreshing it. So l suppose after almost a year break...this was one way of pressing the refresh button.

"Ok... so it wasn't Venice...that was fully booked.

"It was Cable Street in Shadwell where I was born and where my heart belongs. It's where in 1936, local activists along with the Jewish community gathered together to demonstrate against the planned fascist BUF marchers.

"The Battle of Cable Street was used by my father as an example of how a community rooted in justice, can bring change...that we all have a duty to fight for the freedom and rights of others.

"The East End is the land of the immigrants. Its vibrancy, diversity and working class roots is something I treasure. I was born there, I was educated there, today I was married there and I will be buried there because my roots are my roots.

"Free Palestine

"Mrs O'Sullivan."