Nine-time gold medallist and world-class athlete Usain Bolt, who is a self-proclaimed Manchester United fan, is set to train with Borussia Dortmund.
The Jamaican sprinter, who has become a household name all over the world, has often expressed his love for football, and in particular, Manchester United. A love affair that started during the Ferguson era has continued till date, with Bolt offering his services to the Red Devils on more than one occasion to solve their crisis in wide positions.
However, Usain Bolt now seems to be taking football seriously and is considering the possibility of taking it up as a profession when he hangs up his running boots. The 30-year-old has announced that he will bring the curtain down on his illustrious athletics career after the World Athletics Championships in 2017.
According to an interview he gave to The Guardian, the world-record holder in the 100m and 200m sprints is set to train with Borussia Dortmund ahead of his retirement from athletics. His previous statements about beginning a career in football have been taken as lighthearted comments, but Bolt has now reaffirmed his desire to give the sport a shot.
Bolt told the Guardian that he, along with his representatives, has been genuinely talking to people in and around football, while also revealing that he has been in touch with Borussia Dortmund in order to train with Thomas Tuchel’s side.
However, the Jamaican is still hopeful of taking to the field in a Manchester United shirt, saying, “For me, if I could get to play for Manchester United, that would be like a dream come true. Yes, that would be epic.”
Bolt’s love for the Red Devils has endeared him to the club’s global fan base as well as to his own legion of supporters, and the Jamaican spoke to MUTV last year about football and Manchester United.
“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’,” Bolt said. “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.”
Despite not having played football at the professional level ever before, Bolt seemed quite confident in his own ability, stating, “So, I think if I do a trial then they would say, ‘You know what, here is a contract for five years! You are 30 years old, here’s a five-year contract. Let’s just do it!”
Only time will tell if Bolt is actually serious about taking up a career in football. However, by the looks of it, the Jamaican seems determined this time and at the very least, he will be in a position to showcase his footballing abilities to Dortmund’s coaching staff and receive their feedback.
