Sat, 02/12/2011 – 03:42 – PokerPages Staff

Former Team PokerStars sponsored pro, Peter Eastgate, has announced his return to the game.

The 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event champion released a statement on Thursday detailing his reasons for retirement last year and why he feels the time is right to embrace the sport he loves once more.

“Sometimes in life, a person can feel lost and wake up one morning not recognizing who he is. Last summer, that was how I felt.”

“I relocated to London and started a new life, the life of a high profile poker pro. For almost two years I was in a constant spotlight and never had a chance to catch my breath.”

“Over the last eight months, I have had a chance to reconnect with my friends and most important, my family.”

“”I truly enjoy playing poker. I love the competitive element and the mental challenges of tournament poker. I feel I have figured out how I can combine playing poker with a healthy life outside of poker.”

The 25 year-old, who sold his WSOP bracelet for a $147,500 sum on eBay in benefit of UNICEF, confirmed that he will make his return at the PokerStars European Poker Tour stop in Copenhagen later this month.

He will then travel to Caesars Palace for the sixth annual National Heads Up Poker Championship in March.