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Athletics legend Usain Bolt explains how underperforming Manchester United players inspired his football career.
Athletics legend Usain Bolt opened up about his short-lived football career, revealing how underperforming Manchester United players inspired him to try his hand at the sport after retiring from track and field.
The Jamaican superstar, who hung up his running spikes in 2017 after an illustrious career that saw him win eight Olympic gold medals, spent two years exploring opportunities in professional football.
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Bolt's Inspiration from Manchester United
Bolt, a well-known United fan, who criticised Erik Ten Hah recently, explained his motivation for pursuing football:
"During (my) track and field (career), I was always watching Manchester United," Bolt said per TalkSport.
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"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."
Following his retirement from athletics, Bolt's football journey included:
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- Training stints with clubs in South Africa, Norway, and Germany
- An open training session with Borussia Dortmund in March 2018
- A trial with Australian A-League side Central Coast Mariners
His time with the Mariners garnered significant attention when he scored twice in his second trial match, showcasing his trademark speed and finishing ability.
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Despite the initial promise, Bolt's football career didn't materialise as he had hoped.
He was unable to agree to a contract with Central Coast Mariners in and in January 2019, he officially gave up on his footballing aspirations.
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In a recent interview with a Nigerian legend, John Mikel Obi, Bolt admitted that his attempt to transition to football was a mistake.
He explained that he chose Australia to avoid intense media scrutiny in Europe after he had received offers from various French clubs.
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"I knew if I stayed in Europe, the media would be on me," Bolt said.
While Bolt described the experience as enjoyable and educational, he ultimately concluded that professional football wasn't the right fit for his ambitions.
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"I can make money some other way," he reflected, highlighting the financial considerations that influenced his decision to step away from the sport.
Bolt's brief foray into football serves as an interesting footnote to his legendary athletic career, demonstrating both his competitive spirit and his willingness to challenge himself in new arenas.
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