Usain Bolt on Manchester United? It sounds farfetched, but it could become a real possibility if the Jamaican gold medalist sprinter gets the tryout he has been asking for.
Usain Bolt wants to play for Manchester United, and made a YouTube video advertising the fact. Having already essentially mastered sprinting— he won his second consecutive gold medal in the 100-meter final this year— he is setting his sights on another sport popular in Jamaica: football.
"In life, you have to enjoy life man. I don't wanna catch 50, and say, 'Oh God I missed out on my youth days," he said while lacing up cleats and wearing a soccer jersey. Even though he admitted the sport was "forbidden" for him— he could get hurt playing unsupervised— he said he would be "safe."
"People think I am joking. But if Alex Ferguson called me up and said, 'OK let's do this, come and have a trial,' it would be impossible for me to say no," he told U.K. publication The Sun. "I would not take up the challenge if I didn't think I was good enough. I am a very accomplished player and know I could make the difference."
Bolt wanting to be a Manchester United soccer star could be conceived as a joke, especially since it says so in the caption beneath the video. However, the 6-foot-5-inch sprinter named Alex Ferguson, the ManUnited coach, asking him for a tryout.
"I am in Britain for a few more days. If Alex Ferguson wants to give me a call he knows where I am," he explained to The Sun. "I would be the fastest player in the team— but I can play as well."
Usain Bolt has been a fan of the British footballers for years. Back in 2009, he visited them when he had a race in the country. Then, though, he only took pictures and gave tips, he didn't ask to be part of the team.
Some may be taking Bolt seriously, as Man United defender Rio Ferdinand responded to the video via Twitter.
"if you want that trial at Man Utd shout me, I'll speak to the boss!! Well done in 100m, waiting for you to smash the 200m now!" Ferdinand posted.
"After the Olympics we work on that…lol..thanks man," Bolt replied.
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