FORMER Poole Pirates captain Magnus Zetterstrom says “life is treating me really well” since stepping away from speedway.
Swede Zetterstrom helped Pirates to two Elite League titles, in 2004 and 2008, during an illustrious career in the sport.
‘Zorro’ had multiple spells at Poole and was captain of the team that won the title in 2004.
He returned to Wimborne Road earlier this season, taking in the BSN Series meeting against Redcar Bears, and heading out onto the track to treat fans to his trademark dancing celebration.
Discussing his life away from the sport, the 51-year-old said: “It’s treating me really well. I’m a car dealer now.
“I run a car shop in Sweden and we are doing really well, there are 26 people now employed in this firm.
“My son is playing football in the first division now as a goalkeeper. I am very happy to follow him in his sport as well.
“He never became a speedway rider, but football player is good enough!”
He added: “Age catches you. I retired when I was 45, I had a long career, European champion, in Grand Prixs, I was very lucky to have a good career.
“It was hard to finish and I’m very happy for what the sport has given me and what the club here in England, Poole Pirates, and the fans have looked after me so well when I’ve been here.
“Poole has always been a great place to be for me. The fans have always looked after me really well. You go through ups and downs, but it is a really nice place to be.”
Asked if lifting the title as Poole captain was one of his proudest moments, Zetterstrom said: “Yes it was probably. Of course I was proud when I held my two kids, but speedway-wise, that day when we won the trophy and we had a great time together.
“To lift that trophy was a nice feeling.”
Now aged 51, the 2008 Swedish champion, who also rode for the likes of Peterborough Panthers, Somerset Rebels and Belle Vue Aces in England, is confident his time in the sport is now long behind him.
“I haven’t been on the bike since 2017 and I will never go back on the bike again,” insisted Zetterstrom.
“There are new superstars coming through and let them lift the trophies.
“I’m happy with life as it is now. I’m not going to get on the bike and do something silly.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel