Luke Littler makes shock announcement as fans left confused - 'I'm taking a step back'

Darts sensation Luke 'The Nuke' Littler has sent fans into a frenzy after posting a cryptic video which suggests he may step away from the sport. The record-breaking 18-year-old posted to social media on Thursday just days after he was dethroned by Michael van Gerwen at the World Series of Darts.

Littlerhas taken the sport and the sporting world by storm after bursting on the scene as a 17-year-old during the World Darts Championship in 2024. The die-hard Manchester United took everyone by surprise, eclipsing his opponents after qualifying as a wildcard and progressing through the tournament to the final, where he was beaten by Luke Humphries.

However, he got his revenge 12 months on as he got one over on Humphries at the Alexandra Palace. In his short career, Littler already has a bustling trophy collection with the Premier League crown, World Series, UK Open and Grand Slam of Darts among his accolades.

But on Thursday, his social media activity caught supporters off-guard as Littler posted a tongue-in-cheek video suggesting that his time on the oche was over. With sombre music playing over, the Warrington-born thrower said: "I've had an awesome career, I couldn't have asked for much better for myself.

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"You know it's been full on for two years, I've done many great things, the Premier League at the age of 17 on debut, the nine-darters on tele, winning the World Championships at 18 - the youngest to ever do it.

"I just want to say thanks to all my fans for the support over the last two years, it's been phenomenal.

"It'll shock some people that I'm taking a step back, it's not been an easy decision, now I want to do something that I love."

As the music fades in the clip and he leaves his darts on his chair, draped with his famous purple shirt, Littler can be heard uttering: "Do you think they'll fall for that?"

One user replied: "Is this rage bait or what?" Another added: "Do what you have to do Luke, we will support you all the way bud."

One social media user quipped that Littler was about to replace under-fire United boss Ruben Amorim, following his torrid start to the season. He joked: "Littler is about to break the internet.. Next Man Utd Manager?"

However, some followers were quick to utilise their detective skills, joining the dots to suggest that Littler was jesting that he was due to capitalise on the new EA Sports FC release. Early access for the game begins tomorrow, September 19, before the full release on September 26.

"The new FIFA is out…he’s playing FIFA the weekend," one reply read.

It would make sense that Littler was noting the arrival of the latest video game after the 18-year-old has repeatedly discussed playing FIFA and EA Sports FC.

After being catapulted to stardom following his run to the final of the World Championships in 2024, he joked that he would spend his £200,000 prize money on FIFA points, an online currency for the game's Ultimate Team.

“No idea. The first thing that comes into my head is FIFA points,” he responded with a chuckle.

Meanwhile, it was speculated last September that Littler had withdrawn from the Hungarian Darts Trophy, which was due to be played this time last year, to play the new EA Sports FC which was released on September 20, 2024.