Raymond van Barneveld’s glittering darts career ended with a shock 3-1 defeat to Darin Young in the first round of the PDC World Championship on Saturday.

The Dutchman was given a great reception at Alexandra Palace and hit five 180s in the match, but too many errant darts cost him the match.

American left-hander Young took the first set 3-1 but Van Barneveld hit back in the second, averaging 100.2 to level the scores.

But he was too inconsistent and lost the last two sets 3-2.

Van Barneveld bows out having enjoyed a hugely successful career.

He won four BDO titles and the PDC crown in 2007 for his fifth world title.

Sadly, there was to be no glorious fairytale ending for the hugely-popular star.

And his post-match interview with Sky Sports was incredibly difficult to watch.

The 52-year-old was devastated, saying he will “never forgive myself” following a disappointing final year.

When asked to send a message to the fans who have supported him throughout his career, Van Barneveld simply replied: “I played really bad tonight.”

He continued: “I was surprised, nothing more. Darin played really good tonight, all credit to him.

I lost first round, in my disaster year. I will never forgive myself, never ever.

At a later press conference, Van Barneveld continued to criticise himself.

"I will hate myself every single day," he said, per Sky Sports.

"I never, ever felt comfortable this whole match. I felt really good the last couple of weeks, played really good matches, but the demons won again.

"What did I achieve? Nothing."

He then dismissed comments from journalists that he enjoyed a record-breaking career.

"That's in the past. I can't live with myself from this point, never ever," he continued.

"Losing the last two years in the first round, then you're an amateur. You don't belong in this game.

"I don't belong at this high level any more. That's how I feel. That's what I tell myself for the rest of my life."

It’s not what you want to hear from someone who has given so much to the sport.

Fans on Twitter have reacted by sharing their concerns about Barney.

Twitter user @L14505 wrote: “Why on earth did he agree to do an interview when he was in such a bad state of mind?”

@nerdyprole added: “So upsetting watching Raymond van Barneveld’s last interview.”

Here’s hoping that Van Barneveld can one day appreciate his achievements in darts.