Pogba and Sterling back Bolt's ability

BeSoccer 5 years ago 1.2k
Bolt celebrates scoring for Central Coast Mariners in October. AFP

Usain Bolt says he has received support from Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling in his desire to pursue a football career.

The eight-time Olympic goal medallist retired last year from athletics and had been on trial with Australian side Central Coast Mariners, which ended due to a breakdown in contract negotiations. 

Bolt was criticised by former Republic of Ireland international Andy Keogh, who said the Jamaican sprinter had a first touch "like a trampoline", however he has the backing of two Premier League greats. 

"People are going to say what they want, I'm used to this. I used to do track and field, people used to think badly of me when I started and I proved them wrong every year," Bolt told 'Sky Sports'.

"Football is something that I want. I'm sure he [Keogh] is not at the level he was when he started, you know what I mean?

"I don't take it personally, I just laugh at these things because I've met Patrick Vieira, I've met so many big football players.

"I've talked to Pogba and Sterling and they are happy to see me trying, they say 'come on, you can do it'.

"They support me, so I'm not going to worry about some simple players saying some things about me because I have high-level players knowing this is a dream and what I want to do.

"This is not about all about the money. This is a dream, and I want to try and see how good I can be."

Mentioned in the news story

R. Sterling
Paul Pogba
Central Coast Mariners
A-League