Usain Bolt is “not going to make it” as a footballer, according to Perth Glory forward Andy Keogh, calling his presence in the A-League a “little bit of a kick in the teeth to the professionals” there.
Bolt has been on trial with A-League side Central Coast Mariners, scoring twice in a friendly victory over Macarthur South West. He was offered a contract by Champions League-chasing Maltese side Valletta FC, but turned it down.
He has since rejected a contract offer from Mariners as the offer was “much, much less” than he has requested — but former Republic of Ireland forward Keogh has poured cold water on Bolt’s dream to become a professional footballer.
“He’s not going to be able to make,” Keogh told Off the Ball. “It’s nice to have the attention on the A-League but him playing here, that’s not for me.
“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.”
While Keogh said he felt the move was acceptable from a purely marketing point of view, he does not see how it could work from professional perspective.
“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,” he said.
Keogh has 30 international caps and is enjoying his second spell at Perth Glory, having spent 12 years in England — primarily with Wolves and Millwall.