Wade admits struggle in Premier League block: "Maybe I’m just going a little bit soft and in touch with my emotions"

James Wade was a late call-up to the line-up for the 2021 Premier League Darts after a positive Covid-19 test for Gerwyn Price but admits he has struggled with bubble life for one reason.

Wade spoke to the media following his win over Michael van Gerwen where he finally showed some form and said it related to his son, Arthur and not saying goodbye properly when he left.

“If I’m honest, people use excuses and I have in the past, I’ve probably struggled more this block section. I just keep obsessing that I didn’t give my two-year-old boy Arthur – and I know it sounds really silly – a proper hug and kiss before I left," said Wade.

“He was too busy watching Blue’s Clues. But I just said ‘I’ll see you tomorrow morning’. I’ve tortured myself the whole time that why I didn’t give him a little hug and my wife a hug and kiss.

“It’s really stupid and trivial. I was so annoyed at myself. I never used to feel like that but maybe I’m just going a little bit soft and in touch with my emotions. I felt really crap.

“I spoke to him – well he acknowledged me today – on FaceTime and it made me feel a lot better. But I will never ever leave home again and not give my little boy a cuddle. And my wife as well!”

He added: “It’s no secret I didn’t play amazing. I did enough to prevail. The most frustrating thing is how disconnected I’ve been from the previous two games.

“If I’m honest it’s because I didn’t think I’d be here. I’ve been doing a lot of manual work at home, that’s what I enjoy doing, I thought I’d come here get my appearance money and just shoot back home."