This is one of the most unexpected social media posts of the Premier League season.
This photo from Burnley shows a visitor to the club’s training ground smiling in front of a sign that reads: “It’s a way of life.”
However, this is no ordinary guest: He is eight-time Olympic gold medalist, world record holder in the men’s 100m and 200m, and one of the most famous athletes on the planet, Usain Bolt.
The Jamaican has been involved in the world of football since retiring in 2017, but his visit to the struggling Premier League side was not to discuss becoming their new number nine.
Instead, Bolt featured in Burnley Under-21s’ 4-3 win over Stockport County, who fielded Che Gardner and the sprinter’s close friend Ricardo The son of Ricardo, a former football player, made over 400 appearances for Bolton Wanderers and played in the Premier League for 11 years.
Bolt and Gardner met while the latter was playing international duty for Jamaica – he made 111 appearances for the country and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Jamaica’s history. After leaving Bolton Wanderers in 2012, he did not play for the senior team again until announcing his retirement in May 2014.
Ricardo Gardner is a Jamaican international (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Gardner and Bolt’s friendship grew over the years, including a shared love of music that led them to collaborate on a variety of projects.
“We met a long time ago when we were just two athletes from Jamaica. We both represented our countries so we knew each other and we are still good friends,” Gardner said Competitor. “As time went on, he became closer and closer to his family. In Jamaica, the way we operate, Che would consider him his uncle. He wasn’t his real uncle, but that was just out of respect.
Gardner’s son Che, a first-team scholar at Stockport County, made a brief cameo in Wednesday’s game.
Whenever Bolt was on assignment in Europe, he would try to visit the Gardners, if possible, to see Che in action. In March 2023, Bolt attended an Under-15 match between Blackburn Rovers (where Che was on trial) and Burnley.
He posed for a photo with Rangers players after the game, which was posted on the club’s official social media channels.
“He had a huge impact and inspiration on Che,” Gardner added. “He always had his back. He would give him advice whenever he could and act as a mentor when he needed it. Che followed a lot of the things he told him and looked up to him. When you’re surrounded by elite-level people, that’s That would be great.
Bolt was a die-hard Manchester United supporter but turned his attention to professional football after ending his sporting career at the age of 30.
In 2018, he had trials with German team Borussia Dortmund and Australian A-League team Central Coast Mariners. contract, but he did not sign it. A two-year deal with then Maltese champions Valletta was also rejected.
After admitting at the start of 2019 that he had given up any hope of a career, Bolt has become one of the headline stars at the annual Soccer Aid charity match.
Usain Bolt is a regular at football charity matches (Chris Arjoon/AFP via Getty Images)
Stockport celebrated promotion to League One after being crowned League Two champions earlier this month. The club was on an upward trajectory and Gardner, through his son, saw first-hand the work being done at all levels of the club.
“Che is enjoying his football and he is growing and developing into a good person,” Gardner said. “He’s on the right track, Stockport do a great job with player development and you can see where Che is now.
“They are working hard to try to get the best out of all parties and he is enjoying learning and over time the results are being seen.”
Burnley minority owner and NFL legend JJ Watt didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to recruit Bolt, and he shared Burnley’s image of Bolt and his message.
“Glad to have you brother,” he wrote. “I guess I can settle for being the second fastest person to set foot on the Burnley training ground. There’s still time to reschedule the TST. Just saying ‘…”
Watt was referring to Burnley’s participation in this summer’s Football Championship (TST) in the United States. Watt captains Burnley’s men’s team, while his wife, former U.S. Women’s Soccer Team striker and minority owner Kelia, captains the women’s side.
Whether Bolt accepts the invitation remains to be seen. Burnley, meanwhile, are delighted with his star power.
(Pictured above: Burnley Football Club)
