Usain Bolt is planning a complete change in direction for his career in 2018. He wants to start playing football and has said that “a lot of clubs” have reached out to him already. Bolt is an avid Manchester United fan and has spoken before about his desire to become a footballer after he hangs up the sprinting spikes. It seems that now the time has come.
Usain Bolt retired from athletics after the World Championships in London this year. It wasn’t the retirement the fans were expecting, and it certainly wasn’t the sort of ending that Usain himself would have been happy about. The superstar sprinter tore his hamstring in his final race and was subsequently out of action due to injury.
Incidentally, Bolt’s hamstring injury lead to him missing a footballing appearance for his favourite team. He was supposed to play for the Manchester United Legends team against Barcelona, but could not play.
Of course, Bolt’s athletics career was anything but disappointing. He holds the world record for the 100m and 200m sprints, and has won a total of eight Olympic gold medals! He is also responsible for helping to popularise the sport as a celebrity name and face.
Despite his hamstring injury, Bolt has been keeping busy since his retirement from athletics. He hopes to work with the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) to help promote athletics and act as an ambassador for the sport.
He has also been involved with his self-branded PokerStars Zoom game and with the GameOn promotion. He can be seen here expertly demonstrating one of the core talents of both athletes and poker pros — keeping cool under pressure!
Aside from taking ice-cold bucket baths, Usain really wants to turn his feet to football. “Yes, I would love to play football now I’ve retired from track and field,” said Bolt, speaking to FIFA.com. “Hopefully I will be able to play some games in 2018.”
Bolt has been offered to train with German team Borussia Dortmund, largely due to the fact that the CEO of Puma, who is a friend of Bolt, is on the board of directors there; however, it is unlikely that Bolt will actually play in the Bundesliga or at Premier League level. With a bit of training, the 31-year old may make appearances at a League 1 or 2 level.
“Dortmund said the invitation is always open, so it’s about me getting over the injury and into shape,” said Bolt.
Recent developments show that Bolt has been given the all-clear from his doctor to begin training again. He has already started training in Australia and is looking to get fit ready for his return home. The athlete has confirmed that he will return to Jamaica to train with the national coach. Then, he will “get a trial and take it from there.”
Will we see the athletics legend on the football pitch next year? Whom will he play for? Will he make as much of an impact in the footballing world as he has done on the track? We wouldn’t put it past Usain Bolt.