Former Premier League star, 41, makes major career change after retirement as he becomes professional cyclist

FORMER Premier League star Jelle van Damme has swapped pitches for pedals by becoming a PROFESSIONAL CYCLIST.

The Belgian defender spent two years on Southampton’s books, making nine appearances.

Van Damme, 41, later played six times for Wolves in late 2010 – scoring once.

Capped 31 times by his country, his other clubs include Ajax, Anderlecht, Standard Liege and LA Galaxy. He retired in 2020.

Van Damme has since built his amateur interest in cycling up to professional levels – training alongside Belgian superstar Greg van Avermaet.

And he plans to compete in a series of events, including Unbound – the World Cup of gravel cycling – in the US later this year.

He said: “If I could have my time over again I would set out to be a racing cyclist – despite all I have experienced in football.

“I think I would succeed given my mindset and personality. I always compare myself to [Belgian pro] Tim Declercq.

“I’m not someone who looks to win the races, but a good ‘servant’ who helps my teammates achieve the best possible finish.

“My passion for the sport has grown. I have taken on a coach, and I now have full sponsorship.

“I want to peak this year at the Unbound event in the US.

“I began cycling with my brothers and nephews, doing 40-50km rides, but now I can do 120km distances.

“Just like in football, I can suffer on the bike. I can break down, but I’ll recover quickly. As an athlete I will want more when I see that I’m getting better.

“I can be a right bastard at times. I was like that as a footballer, and I’m the same now when I get on my bike.

“I think I can ride well, and when I’m in a peloton I am not afraid to throw myself around.

“My family group calls me Kamikaze, as I’ll go from zero to flying round bends at top speed.

“Once an athlete, always an athlete.”

Van Damme was a flop at Southampton, with the Saints relegated at the end of his one full season.

He went on loan to Germans Werder Bremen before returning home to win five trophies with Anderlecht.

The Brussels club sold him to Wolves for £2.5million in 2010. However Van Damme failed to settle at Molineux, and left for Standard Liege after just six months.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk