The world chess champion will not defend the title because he "does not particularly like it" | Israel today

It bought him fame, fortune and international appreciation.

But at 31, the undisputed king of chess, Magnus Carlsen walks away from the game.

And the reason?

He's just not that concerned. 

In a speech on International Chess Day, the five-time world champion said his experience was "interesting", but in the end he has no motivation to play another grueling three-week championship game.

"I just feel like I don't have much to gain," Carlsen said.

"I do not like it very much, although I'm sure a game will be interesting for historical reasons. I have no tendency to play, and I just do not want to play."

Carlsen is also an avid football fan, making headlines in 2019, leading seven million players in the official Premier League fantasy game.

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