A-League hopeful Usain Bolt has a first touch like a trampoline, says Richard Keogh

Perth Glory forward Andy Keogh says Usain Bolt has a first touch “like a trampoline”, casting doubt on his dream of becoming a footballer.

The 32-year-old Jamaican retired sprinter, who holds the 100 metres world record, is aiming to transition into a professional footballer and is presently on trial with Australian club the Central Coast Mariners.

Keogh, whilst admitting Bolt’s potential signing will increase eyes on the A-League, doesn’t see the eight-time Olympic gold medalist ever fulfilling his goal.

“It’s nice to have the attention on the A-League but him playing in the A-League, that’s not for me,” he told Irish radio show Off the Ball.

“For me, he’s not going to be able to make it [as a footballer]. He’s shown a bit [of potential] but it’s a little bit of a kick in the teeth to the professionals that are in the league. From what I’ve seen, [his first touch] is like a trampoline, so I’m not too sure.

“If there’s someone who genuinely thinks he’d be a good football addition, I don’t think they should be in a position to make those calls.

“It’s fine from a marketing point of view but from a football perspective, it’s a little bit farcical.”

Bolt’s dream

After first announcing that he wanted to try and become a professional footballer, Bolt wasn’t taken too seriously, but that has changed across the last few months, with Bolt trialling for multiple clubs.

No fewer than 12 football clubs, according to his agent Ricky Simms, offered Bolt a chance to show what he is made of. Back in January, he trained with South African outfit Mamelodi Sundowns while visiting the country as part of an Athletics South Africa development scheme.

The most high profile club that showed an interest in Bolt was Borussia Dortmund, who he trained with earlier this year. Initially, the 100m and 200m world record-holder spoke of his visit to North Rhine-Westphalia as something that would determine whether or not he does in fact have the right stuff.

He’s since moved to Australia where he bagged a brace in an unofficial game with Central Coast Mariners. Of course, considering his age and relative inexperience compared to those beginning their professional football careers, one mustn’t expect anything incredible. Bolt, if he’s to ever realise his dream, is likely to only have a short footballing career.

The post A-League hopeful Usain Bolt has a first touch like a trampoline, says Richard Keogh appeared first on Squawka News.



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