GUTTED Nicolai Klindt admits his decision to relinquish his team place at Pirates was one of the toughest calls he has had to make.

The popular Danish charger had been attempting to battle through serious knee ligament damage which he sustained in Latvia at the beginning of June.

However, last week the 28-year-old admitted defeat in his quest and was replaced by Timo Lahti in the Poole line-up.

It was a cruel way for Klindt's campaign to come to an end after he played a key role in a string of early-season victories.

Pirates owner Matt Ford has already stated he envisages a return to the skull and crossbones for the former Leicester man, who signed on a full transfer from Wolverhampton in May.

In a statement passed to the Daily Echo, Klindt said: "I have decided to pull the plug for the rest of 2017 and get an operation on my knee, so I can be 100 per cent fit and ready for the start of next season.

"It has been one of the hardest decisions I have made in my career as I'm ready to race in my head but my body isn't. My health is more important than anything and it's not good for me or my competitors if I don't feel in control of the bike.

"It is not because my bank account is agreeing with the decision but I have to be sensible as I wouldn't earn a profit scoring between one and four points every meeting.

"This year I have more or less achieved all of my goals and been much more consistent, bar a couple of meetings. I believe I have moved a step further forward and I grew a lot within the first couple of months, physically and mentally. So it sucks that the train has come to its final destination, as there still is so much more to race for."

Klindt also raced for Polish team Krakow and Danish side Esbjerg this year and excelled in qualifying for the Speedway European Championship.

He added: "I can't thank my clubs enough for their support and understanding about my decision, especially Poole and Matt Ford who has been very supportive and has even set up donations at the next two home meetings at Poole, as well as offering me financial support if need be.

"I would also like to thank my sponsors, who have been behind me from the start of the season as well as through my time out. Without them, it wouldn't be possible to compete at the level I want to. And last but not least, all the members of my team and my family.

"I have had such a good time with everyone that's been involved and I'm grateful for having people helping me and wanting to achieve the same goals I want to.

"Also, thanks a lot to the supporters and fans who have backed me. I will see you again in 2018 – I look at the bright side of things and getting my knee fixed now will mean I can only come back fitter and stronger."