Usain Bolt has finally made his football debut with a brief appearance off the bench for Central Coast Mariners in Australia.
The eight-time Olympic sprint champion, who is on trial with the club, failed to find the target during the pre-season friendly.
The 32-year-old was put on the pitch in the 71st minute after 10,000 fans repetitively chanted “WE WANT BOLT”.
He had to impress the bosses to improve his chances of securing a permanent contract before the Aussie season starts in October.
Bolt oozed confidence as he pulled out some step-over skills at the Central Coast Stadium.
But he only managed to make one pass after touching the ball nine times.
Speaking after the match, Bolt said: “It was good. It was what I was expected. The crowd gave me plenty of motivation.
“I think my fitness is much better than the first week since I came here. I’m grateful for the Mariners for giving me the chance.
“Right now I’m just trying to get used to the guys, it’s a wonderful moment, to actually get on the field and play professional football.
“The players have really accepted me, trying to teach me things and encouraging me to push myself. ”
The Jamaican superstar was introduced after Josh Macdonald put his team ahead by six goals.
Six minutes after he was put on the pitch, Central Coast Select scored a consolation goal before the match finished 6-1.
Bolt rushed over to greet the fans and pose for some photographs after the final whistle.
He is determined to make a difference in Gosford after the Marines finished bottom of the table last season, with only four wins in 27 matches.
Since retiring from the track Bolt has spent time training with Borussia Dortmund.
However, he was let go by the German giants in March after manager Peter Stoger admitted: “The physique he needs for his other sport is completely different from what he needs for football.
“But it was really fun for us. It was a pleasure for us to meet a guy like him and to work with him.”
