Bolt kids about giving up records for Champions League goals
Published:Wednesday | March 22, 2023 | 1:16 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
AFTER ACHIEVING all there is to in the sport of his choice, would sprint legend, Usain Bolt, really have given up for other opportunities? His answer might surprise you.
According to the multiple Olympic and World Champion, as well as the holder of world records in the 100 and 200 metres, he would have swapped it for football.
“To play a career as long as these guys, most definitely,” he said during an iTV interview that included Arsenal great Ian Wright, Manchester United legend Roy Keene, and former Chelsea, Birmingham City and Chicago Red Stars midfielder Karen Carney.
Bolt who was in attendance at the Old Trafford Stadium on Sunday to watch Manchester United defeat Fulham 3-1 in FA Cup action.
Bolt, who retired in 2017 after the London World Championships, famously attempted to make the switch to professional football after hanging up his boots but never quite made it, despite being given the opportunity to show what he had.
“For me it’s something that I always wanted to try. I watch and love the game so much and I was like why not give it a try. I was very serious, but it didn’t work out as I wanted it to but I really enjoyed the effort and the process,” said Bolt to the iTV panel.
Bolt first went on a two-day trial with German giants, Borussia Dortmund in 2018, but the opted to not issue a professional contract with then head coach, Peter Stoger, saying that “at this age, there is not much room for improvement”.
The former sprinter also had an eight-week stint in the Australian ‘A’ league with the Central Coast Mariners.
ONE-YEAR DEAL
The Mariners had reportedly offered Bolt a one-year deal worth AU$150,000. That offer was rejected as the retired sprinter and his team were reported to have wanted much more.
“I love football that much and to win the Champions League and score the final goal would be brilliant,” Bolt told iTV.
He also lauded the impact of Reggae Girlz all-time leading goal scorer Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, who is also the leading goal scorer in the Women’s Super League with 15 goals for Manchester City.
Bolt jokingly said that Shaw plays for the wrong team.
“Sports is very big in Jamaica. We enjoy our sports and we try to support as much as possible. Bunny is here on the wrong team, but I’m trying to go and see her next week and watch a game, I’m excited for her because she’s doing well.”