Sprint king Usain Bolt said he is not talented like Lionel Messi as he channels Cristiano Ronaldo for inspiration following his first appearance for Central Coast Mariners.
Bolt made his debut for the Mariners on Friday, the eight-time Olympic champion coming off the bench in the A-League side’s 6-1 victory over a Central Coast Select XI.
Fans flocked to Gosford to see Bolt – who is with the Mariners for an “indefinite” trial – in action for the first time and the 32-year-old athletics great enjoyed a lively outing in the second half.
Reflecting on his bow, Jamaican Bolt – who previously spent time training with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, Mamelodi Sundowns and Stromsgodset – told reporters: “I’m a massive fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. Why? because of his work rate.
“He knows what it takes to be the best and for me, I have to take off of that.
“Cristiano worked to be the best, and that’s what I want to emulate. I’ve got to work to be the best so that’s my focus.”
Usain Bolt came off the bench to make his first appearance for Central Coast Mariners in a friendly victory on Friday.
The sprinting great enjoyed a lively outing in the second half of the A-League side’s 6-1 victory over a Central Coast Select XI.
Bolt played to the left of the Mariners’ attack and caused some nervy moments for the visiting defence at Central Coast Stadium, with one run and shot forcing the goalkeeper into a decent save.
The 32-year-old was inches from getting on the scoresheet, as he just failed to connect with a loose ball at the left-hand post with the goal gaping.
“I was a little bit nervous but as soon as I got on the pitch, the nerves went,” he told Fox Sports.
“I’ve got to keep pushing myself and I think I’ll be fine. I need probably two months to be properly fit but, in four months, I’ll be one of the guys.”