Four sporting ‘I quit’ U-turns ahead of Berahino’s Baggies return

Arguably the sport’s greatest ever cueist may be rapid at the table, but snooker fans will know more than anyone that this electrifying break-builder is just as quick to threaten retirement, having done so on countless occasions.

Now at the age of 39, O’Sullivan may track down Stephen Hendry’s record of seven world titles before actually calling it a day, but he threatened to do so in 2007, 2010, 2012 and most recently earlier this year.

Sir Alex Ferguson
Former Manchester United boss Ferguson is still the most successful manager in football history, but he may not have lifted as much silverware if he had gone through with early retirement plans in 2001.

The Old Trafford legend had initially planned to end his managerial career in 2002, but his wife Cathy played a part in shelving those plans during the Christmas period in 2001, bluntly telling Ferguson: “One, your health is good. Two, I’m not having you in the house. And three, you’re too young anyway.”

Ferguson did eventually retire in 2013, leaving the club in the hands of David Moyes, a decision which didn’t exactly work out for anybody.

Ali Carter
Another snooker star in our list, this time in the form of two-time Crucible runner-up Carter, who seriously threatened to call time on his playing career prematurely.

The Essex-born potter has clinched three ranking crowns during his time at the top of this majestic sport, but was close to closing the curtain in 2011, after suffering a defeat to Mark Allen in the UK Championship second round that year.

Stating at the time on Twitter: “I’m going to retire at the end of the season! And I can’t wait!

“I’m dead serious, life is too short to do something you don’t enjoy, 25 years is enough! Pastures new….”

Although, ‘the Captain’ couldn’t stay away and came back, after courageously battling cancer, making a jubilant return to the baize in 2014, much to the delight of snooker fans worldwide.

Watch Carter make a magnificent maximum break on his way towards the 2008 Word Snooker Championship final in Sheffield.