Usain Bolt claims of not getting a 'fair chance' in football
(Courtesy : Telegraph)
The Jamaican sprinter tried his luck in football after announcing his retirement from athletics.
Sprint legend and multiple world record holder, Usain Bolt on Thursday did not mince his words while claiming that he was not given a fair chance to prove his credibility as a footballer in the A-League.
The eight-time Olympic Gold medallist tried to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer with the A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners in 2018 after quitting athletics.
He announced himself at the footballing scene with two goals in the pre-season friendly game. However, his capabilities were questioned by many and one of the critics was Irish forward Andy Keogh who compared Bolt's touch as a "touch like a trampoline" and eventually the contract talks broke down.
Usain Bolt, who was very disappointed with the turn of events, told Channel Nine television network, "I think I didn't get a fair chance. I didn't do it how I wanted it to do it, but it's something I think I would've been good at. But it's just one of those things you miss out on and just have to move on."
The 33-year old Jamaican holds several world records mainly in the 100m and 200m. He tried his hand at football clubs in Germany, Norway and South Africa before coming down to Australia. When quizzed about having any regrets regarding that attempted career switch, Usain Bolt said, "I do think about it sometimes that it didn't work out the way I wanted it to because football is something that I love. The fact that it didn't work out I do think about it, but as I said, It's one of those things you've got to move past."
Bolt recently became father to a baby girl along with his partner Kasi Bennett and feel accomplished with parenthood and also with life despite the regret of not becoming a professional footballer.
"Being a parent now it's different. it gives you a sense of accomplishment so I'm really happy and just excited to go on this journey. It has been just about living it and experiencing it day by day," he concluded.
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