Usain Bolt dreams of swapping spikes for football boots

Jamaican sprint sensation Usain Bolt on Sunday revealed that he would like to try his hand at professional football when he retires from athletics, and dreams of playing for Manchester United.

“I’d like to try to become a professional (footballer) at the end of my career,” said the triple Olympic champion on French television station Canal+.

“I’ll stop athletics at the age of 30. If I could have the chance to play for a team, even for one of the smallest teams in the English Premier League or a lower division, just to see if I can do it.

“I’ve wanted to play for a long time. I’d like to try and see if I could be good.”

Bolt is an avowed United supporter and he went on to admit that it is his dream to line up alongside his heroes at Old Trafford.

“Playing with (Wayne) Rooney and his team-mates would be an honour for me,” he said.

“When I met them for the first time, I was very honoured. The surprise was that they knew who I was. It was magnificent for me. Magnificent.”

The world record holder at 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay says he could see himself playing in midfield or as a striker.

“But lots of people say I should play as a winger,” he added, “because I’m quick.”