Usain Bolt Heading Back to Borussia Dortmund, Rules Out Athletics Return

Sprint legend Usain Bolt has said he is serious about a career in football and that he is set to return to Borussia Dortmund.

The 31-year-old recently trained with the Bundesliga club and is known as a Manchester United supporter. His potential venture from athletics into football hasn't been taken too seriously by many, although the Jamaican has made it clear scoring goals, not winning races, will be his focus moving forward, per the Herald Sun.

"No [no chance of an athletics comeback]," he said. "I have accomplished what I can in track and field. That's why I'm moving on to a new goal. I want to play soccer, I'm trying to move on to that. It's a big deal for me. Everyone thinks I'm kidding around, but I'm serious. I'm going back to Dortmund for three more weeks to assess myself and see what level I am at."

Bolt also said he has no preference about what team he plays for. "Soccer is more technical, but I have always dabbled in soccer," he added.

Here's a look at what Bolt, speaking at the Commonwealth Games in Australia, had to say in full:

In March, as the eight-time Olympic champion relayed via Twitter, he trained with the Dortmund squad and impressed:

Bolt retired from athletics after last year's World Championships, leaving a legacy as the finest sprinter of all time.

In addition to his remarkable Olympic exploits, Bolt is an 11-time world champion and the world-record holder in both the 100- and 200-metre events. 

Despite his accomplishments in athletics, it's clear Bolt's competitive edge is still razor-sharp, and his belief that he can make it as a professional footballer is to be admired.

As noted below, Bolt's compatriot Leon Bailey, who has been tearing it up for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany this season, thinks the former sprinter is capable of making an impression in football:

With Bolt seemingly ruling out any prospect of defending his Olympic titles at the Tokyo Games in 2020, we may be seeing a lot more of him on the pitch in weeks and months to come.

Defenders wouldn't enjoy coming up against a player with Bolt's speed. While making it at Dortmund is surely a stretch, given his pace and his profile, there could be a club out there ready to give the Olympic icon a chance.