Michael van Gerwen: 'I always liked to play in front of crowds. I'm a bit of a show-off' | Jonathan Liew

The Dutch darts maestro is aiming for a fourth world title at Alexandra Palace and says while the pandemic has affected the game hugely he is staying positive

Michael van Gerwen doesn’t know what climate change is. I mean, he’s aware of the concept. But the phrase is new to him. “I’m not even interested in that,” he says over video link from his home in the south of the Netherlands. “I ain’t got any power over it. People all have opinions about the news, about Boris Johnson or Mark Rutte over here. But you can’t do anything. It’s above your power.”

The reason we got onto this in the first place is that I’m trying to work out how Van Gerwen stays so relentlessly positive, even after a year as bleak as this. Does he not watch the news? Has he not been keeping tabs on the gradual disintegration of human civilisation? Does he worry about anything at all?

Related: My favourite game: Van Gerwen v Van Barneveld, 2017 PDC World Championship | Rob Smyth

People are allowed to say whatever they want. But if you never fulfil your words, then you need to be quiet

Related: Taylor v Sherrock: a thrilling but bloodless glimpse of the future | Jonathan Liew

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