My friend recently purchased an NB, specifically a 2004 NB SE which is the factory turbocharged model. I think they're also known as the Mazdaspeed MX5 over there in the US of Awesome.

As per the title, how do you remove the shift knob? We tried turning it counter clockwise as you normally would, but the thing wouldnt budge. I was afraid that if I applied more pressure than what I already was, it would break or snap or something. I'm just wondering if theres a collar on the shifter or something which is holding the shift knob in place, preventing us from unscrewing it?

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks!