Usain Bolt Comments on Potential Transition from Track to Soccer

Usain Bolt has stepped up plans to potentially transition from track to soccer. The Jamaican will reportedly travel to Germany to train with Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund. 

Speaking to Decca Aitkenhead of the Guardian, Bolt revealed he's already taking steps to make his dream of becoming a professional footballer come true: “We’ve genuinely been talking to people.”

The people in question appear to be in Germany, after Aitkenhead reported the next move in the nine-time Olympic gold medallist's plans: "He has been in touch with Borussia Dortmund’s coach, will soon train with the team in Germany for a couple of days, 'and see what happens.'"

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Bolt's ultimate ambition is to one day play for a Premier League giant: "For me, if I could get to play for Manchester United, that would be like a dream come true. Yes, that would be epic.”

This isn't the first time Bolt has discussed playing for United in glowing terms. The sprint king even appeared on the club's official television channel last November to suggest one way he could make his dream happen, per Mark Froggatt of United's official site: “In my mind I think I should do a trial and see if they would say ‘All right, come on in’ or if they would say ‘No, you are not any good.'" 

Bolt also spelled out the attributes he believes would help him make the transition from athletics to the football pitch a successful one: "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."

He sounded confident enough he could win the United hierarchy over and convince them of his potential as a footballer: “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!’”

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While pace would rate as Bolt's best attribute, the switch from the track to the pitch would require so much. Things like the ability to play with both feet, control the ball instantly, beat markers, pick a pass and show a keen instinct for the creative aspects of the game would be essential for a man who sees himself as a winger.

However, if he is going to undertake serious training, Dortmund represents an ideal starting spot. Manager Thomas Tuchel values pace in the attacking third almost as much as he prizes technique and moving the ball between gaps to release runners behind a defence.

Those are the core elements of Dortmund's dynamic, possession-based game. Bolt could learn a lot in Germany.

But his plans to make the switch from track to soccer still seem at the wishful thinking stage...at least for now.