THERE’s not many careers that are more thrilling than being a professional footballer.
But one former Celtic star has decided to up the ante even more after hanging up his boots as he’s opted for the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Most former pros wind down when they announce their retirement and take time off from the game or head into coaching.
But ex-Hoops ace Rico Annoni has went a step further and has followed his boyhood passion – racing motorbikes.
The 56-year-old signed for Celtic in 1997 and spent two years at Parkhead before leaving in 1999 to take care of his ill father.
Nicknamed Tarzan, for his long hairstyle at Roma, he lifted the Scottish top-flight title and League Cup during his short stint with the Hoops.
But he was bald when he moved to Glasgow, accompanied with a stylish goatee.
Now, he has a similar appearance but looks very different with his white beard instead.
And even the most eagle-eyed fans would struggle to recognise him when he’s on the back of one of his many motorbikes.
Annoni has an impressive collection to his name, with an MV Agusta, Ducati and Harley Davidson in his garage.
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And they’re not just for show!
The Italian is a keen rider and has competed in various amateur competitions in the past.
He’s a lover of superbikes, but he started out with supermotos when he retired from football.
Speaking to Tuttomercato in 2020, he said: “When I hung up my boots, I tried to exploit my passion and dedicated myself to Supermotard in my first year as a former footballer, which is a new discipline: cross bikes with road wheels.
“I raced with other famous people such as Kristian Ghedina and DJ Ringo, had made a team available to us. I also joined a small team that competed in the Tunisian desert and participated in a program called ‘L’isola dei muddy’, dedicated to Enduro, on Nuvolari.
“There I had the opportunity to test some bikes. Then I entered the world of Superbikes.”
While he loved football and doesn’t regret becoming a professional, he was always passionate about motorcycles, even when he was a young boy.
He said: “My relationship with two wheels began practically when I was born, having grown up in a mechanical workshop and therefore engines are in my blood.
“As a child, I wanted to do everything except stay at home. After all, being born in a small town and growing up in a workshop, you developed a passion for mopeds.
“I also remember when I used to go with my father to pick up large-engined motorcycles. I’ve always seen the bike as a tool that can give you a sense of freedom.
“But I didn’t want to be a professional motorcyclist. I consider myself lucky to have become a professional footballer.
“When I started being a footballer I had to give it up because it is dangerous for my profession. Once I hung up my boots, I dedicated myself to it body and soul.”
He continues to compete at an amateur level and has yet to finish a race on the podium, but insists the point of racing is to have fun.
He added: “I’ve never been on the podium. But I’ve had a lot of fun.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
