Athletic legend turn failed footballer Usain Bolt has revealed how underperforming Manchester United players inspired him to delve into playing football following his retirement from track and field.
After his illustrious career in athletics, the Jamaican superstar spent two years pursuing a football career.
What Usain Bolt said
Bolt, a renowned United fan, explained what motivated him to play football. He said, per TalkSport,
“During (my) track and field (career), I was always watching Manchester United.
“I thought that if some players – I’m not going to name names, you know them – if they can play football, I can probably do it too.”
After his retirement from athletics, Bolt trained for teams in Germany, South Africa, and Norway before participating in an open training session with Borussia Dortmund in March 2018. He also had a trial with the Central Coast Mariners of the Australian A-League.
With two goals in his second trial match with the Central Coast Mariners, displaying his trademark speed and finishing skill, Bolt’s football career gained attention.
But his aspirations of playing professional football didn’t come true. He was unable to sign a contract with the Mariners despite the original promise, and in January 2019, he formally gave up on his football career.
The Jamaican recently made a return to football, as he featured in a charity game at Stamford Bridge, where he sustained an horrific injury.
