Olympic legend Usain Bolt has always claimed to want to be a footballer and has often joked around about a career in professional football, but it appears he might have been serious after all. He’s now one step closer to achieving his lifelong ambition after agreeing to train with German footballing giants Borussia Dortmund.
The 9 time Olympic gold medalist will call it quits to a stellar career in athletics next summer after the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London and has made no secret of his desire to swap his studs for footballing spikes ever since he established himself as the fastest man in human history.
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The 30-year-old is a huge Manchester United fan and in the past has claimed to have discussed a trial with Sir Alex Ferguson upon visiting the club’s training complex in Carrington after a triple success in London in 2012.
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Now, in an interview with The Guardian, the 30-year-old has stated that he and his representatives have been “genuinely talking to people” about the possibility of transitioning into a career in football from athletics.
In the interview, Bolt also revealed that he has been in constant touch with Borussia Dortmund head coach Thomas Tuchel and will travel to Germany to spend two days training with the Bundesliga outfit.
The 30-year-old Jamaican wished to “see what happens” once he has worked with Tuchel, but still harbours dreams of playing for Manchester United.
He added, “For me, if I could get to play for Manchester United, that would be like a dream come true. Yes, that would be epic."
Speaking last year, Bolt who still holds the world record for the 100m with a time of 9.58 seconds, claimed he was at least good enough to warrant a trial by Manchester United, insisting: "In my mind, I think I should do a trial and see if they would say 'Alright, come on in' or if they would say 'No, you are not any good.' I think I would be pretty good because I am fit, I am quick, I can control the ball and I understand all of the play.
“I think if I do a trial they would say, ‘You know what, here is a contract for 5 years! You are 30 years old, here’s a 5-year contract. Let’s do it!’”, he told MUTV.
Bolt previously welcomed the appointment of Jose Mourinho to the Old Trafford hot seat and joked that he was expecting a call from the former Chelsea boss about playing for United.
"I haven't got the call yet, but I know it's coming. I think he's waiting until after the Olympics," Bolt said.
He then added of Mourinho's appointment: "For me, I'm happy, I'm definitely happy. I think it was a good choice. Mourinho's a winner. I really think so.
"He works hard to win titles and that's what Manchester United needs right now. He's building a squad and I'm looking forward to seeing much bigger players and I'm really excited by that.”
(Video courtesy: LIF FootballVideos YouTube channel)
