USAIN Bolt has made the startling claim that he fancies a career as a professional footballer once he fulfills his ambitions in athletics. The 24-year-old Jamaican holds the world record for the 100m sprint after clocking 9.58secs in Berlin last year, and Bolt says that when he pushes the record even further with a faster time, he will turn his attention to football.

“I have four more good years in me if I train hard,” he told BBC Radio 5 live’s Sportsweek programme.

“When I finish I’d like to play football for two years. I always watch those guys and I think I could be a professional footballer.”

“I’ll try that. Maybe I could get into a good side or even an average side.” he said.

Bolt even has a preferred position should he start a playing career in the beautiful game.

“I’m definitely a good player – a defensive or attacking midfielder. Somewhere around there.

“First I’m hoping I get to be the one to get to 9.4 seconds because that’s where I think the record will probably never be beaten.”

Meanwhile, Bolt believes athletics is winning the battle against drug cheats and is gaining greater credibility with the passing of time.

“For me it’s all about time. If someone stops cheating then over time people will start to trust that person again,” he said. “It’s like a relationship – if you cheat on someone they will trust you again over a period of time.

“In track and field they’re doing a really good job of catching the cheats so it’s hard to cheat.

“The sport is getting there. We have been through a couple of years where there has been a little scandal but nothing major. It will get cleaner and will be back to a sport with no problem. We need nothing but time.” (Goal.com)