Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has declared his readiness to return to football, expressing strong interest in joining a non-league club packed with former Premier League players. The eight-time Olympic gold medalist, now 39, stated he only needs to regain fitness before stepping back onto the pitch.
Bolt's Football Ambitions Rekindled
During an interview with talkSPORT, Bolt made it clear that the prospect of playing competitive football again genuinely excites him. Despite retiring from athletics in 2017, the world's fastest man believes his legendary speed and enduring passion for the sport could still give him a chance to perform at a respectable level.
"Listen, I'm ready. I'm ready. If I get into some shape, I'm ready to go," Bolt confidently told the radio station. He emphasized that his comments should not be taken lightly, warning amateur players that he is serious about this potential comeback and not merely joking around.
Wythenshawe Vets: The Unexpected Destination
The club that has captured Bolt's attention is Wythenshawe Vets, which competes in the Cheshire Veterans Football League. Over recent months, this non-league side has gained unexpected prominence by signing several well-known former Premier League stars.
The team's roster includes notable names such as:
- Danny Drinkwater
- Marc Albrighton
- Papiss Cisse
- Oumar Niasse
- Antonio Valencia
- Joleon Lescott
- Danny Simpson
- Maynor Figueroa
This unique combination of famous football veterans and a more relaxed playing environment has apparently sparked fresh interest from Bolt, who sees it as an ideal opportunity to reignite his football dreams.
Bolt's Previous Football Journey
Following his retirement from athletics, Bolt seriously pursued a professional football career. His incredible speed, highlighted by his world record 9.58-second 100-meter dash, naturally generated significant curiosity about his potential on the football field.
Bolt trained with several professional clubs, including German giants Borussia Dortmund and Norwegian side Stromsgodset. His most notable football moment came when he scored two goals in a friendly match for Australia's Central Coast Mariners.
However, his football journey ended sooner than anticipated. Reflecting on his choices, Bolt admitted he might have made a strategic error by moving too far from Europe's football scene.
"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," Bolt explained about his initial confidence.
He added, "It was a great experience, I definitely enjoyed it. When I decided that I was going to go into it, I was like 'I don't want to stay in Europe'. Because of who I am, in Europe, the sole attention is going to be on me."
Looking back with hindsight, Bolt acknowledged, "I decided to go as far as possible away, but I think the correct thing to do was to actually stay in Europe where there were much better teams."
What Makes This Comeback Different
Unlike his previous attempt at professional football, Bolt's potential move to Wythenshawe Vets represents a different approach. The veteran's league offers a competitive yet less intense environment, potentially better suited to someone transitioning from another sport later in their athletic career.
The presence of other former Premier League players creates an intriguing dynamic where Bolt wouldn't be the sole focus of attention, addressing one of his previous concerns about playing in Europe. This setting might provide the perfect balance of competition and enjoyment that could sustain his football ambitions.
While Bolt acknowledges he needs to work on his fitness, his fundamental athletic attributes remain impressive. At 39, his speed would still likely outpace most amateur and veteran players, giving him a unique advantage on the football field.
The sprinter-turned-football enthusiast appears genuinely motivated by this opportunity, suggesting that if Wythenshawe Vets extends an invitation, he would seriously consider accepting it. This potential development adds an exciting chapter to Bolt's post-athletics career and brings unexpected spotlight to non-league football.
