O’Sullivan has been involved with the Kerry senior team since 2005 and has four All-Ireland titles, but was a marginal figure in last season’s Championship due to his injury problems.

The player told the Irish Examiner he felt he had to commit full-time to the sport in order to rehabilitate fully.

“I left Ulster Bank in November to concentrate on keeping the body right,” he said. “It just wasn’t suiting me. I had a great time there and learned a lot but I just couldn’t see my future there.

“And it just wasn’t ideal for getting my body right. I knew I needed to focus more time on it.”

The player said problems with his hip could possibly be traced back to playing Gaelic football.

“The surgeon in Coventry said the problem could be common in Gaelic football because of the way we’re constantly bending down to pick up the ball and hunched over when we’re getting hit,” he explained.

“Players are also getting bigger and stronger, so when we’re getting hit in that position we’re even more vulnerable.”

O’Sullivan does have an ambassador role with Sky Sports, but admits he will be impacted financially by giving up his job with Ulster Bank.

I’m doing a bit with Sky Sports which is great for the mind. It’s keeping me sane!” he said.

“Obviously financially I have to be cute with the money. I’m not going out for too many dinners or anything like that. But it’s fine, you find a way. Once I get the body right and get back playing it will make a big difference.”

The half-forward is very clear as to where his priorities lie for the moment: “Personally I’m looking at my football career. I’m 28 now. There aren’t too many years left so I just wanted to get the most out of it.”