Usain Bolt has claimed he was not given “a fair chance” to showcase himself in Australia’s A-League after a unsuccessful attempt to become a professional footballer.
The Jamaican had a trial with the Central Coast Mariners in 2018 after leaving athletics, with the hope of fulfilling a childhood dream to become a footballer.
His trial gained worldwide attention, which gathered more momentum when he scored two goals during a pre-season friendly.
However, his qualities were questioned by former Ireland striker Andy Keogh who disclosed he had a “touch like a trampoline” and contract talks ended.
While talking to Australia’s Channel Nine television network, Bolt said: “I think I didn’t get a fair chance.
“I didn’t do it how I wanted 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.”
Bolt had previously had trials in Germany, South Africa and Norway.
When asked if he has ever regretted his attempted career shift, he said: “I do think about it sometimes that it didn’t work out the way that 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.”
