Sheffield Tigers: Retire? I love it too much! - Star signing Nicki Pedersen on why he kept his career alive with Owlerton move

Tigers fans were left stunned when the club unveiled the triple World Champion on Tuesday afternoon – their highest profile signing ever.

No longer a Grand Prix rider, many suggest Pedersen is past his best – but he insists 2019 brought a fresh outlook and more enjoyment.

“Why should I think about retiring when I love it so much?” he said. “I suppose every winter people ask about Greg (Hancock) and me and how much longer we will go on.

“But look at Greg, he’s going to be 50 next year and he’s a great rider still, if we can still do it then why give it up?

“I loved this year. Never say never when it comes to being back in the Grand Prix, but I felt less pressure on my shoulders and I simply went out there and gave my best for my teams.”

The club have been overwhelmed by messages via social media since breaking the Pedersen news.

And Nicki said: “I think the deal we have done is good for the club and good for me.

“I thought my time was done in British Speedway, but I’m looking forward to coming back and giving Sheffield my maximum effort.

“I know I am in my 40s now but in my head I still feel like I’m in my early 20s and I can’t wait for next season to start. I really, really love it.

“I’ll be working hard training during the winter and visiting sponsors, I really place a high priority on that and it’s a vital part of my business.”

Boss Simon Stead has again paid tribute to club owners the Bates family and Peter Mole for making it happen.

“It’s a big move and the response has been amazing,” he said. “The owners of the club have shown they are prepared to give it everything to make our promotion to the Premiership work.”