Manchester United fan Usain Bolt urged Mario Balotelli to sign for Liverpool
It is no secret that Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is an ardent Manchester United fan, but that didn’t stop him from advising friend Mario Balotelli to sign for Liverpool.
Speaking at a promotional event in New York City to former Premier League star Shaka Hislop, the ‘fastest man in the world’ revealed how he was the unlikely influence that could’ve made the Italian forward move to England.
"We're talking, and I tell him England is the best place to be," the 100 and 200-metres World record holder revealed.
He however sought to make a deal with the former AC Milan star so the move doesn’t affect the club he supports.
"I talk to him and I said listen, when you play against Man United, just make a few mistakes. We'll be alright."
He also discussed new manager Louis van Gaal and believed Falcao could get the club back into the Champions League.
"I think he (van Gaal) means business," said Bolt.
"I think personally it's going to be hard with the new system that he has, but I think over time it will get better. As long as we have our strong back three."
"Even if we don't win [the Premier League], if we get in the Champions League next season when everybody's gelled, we have a better chance to win."
The duo had a minor tiff in June last year when the six-time Olympic gold medallist had said what he thought of the footballer.
"Balotelli is a great football player, although perhaps a little too aggressive for my tastes," said Bolt. "He never misses a penalty. I've met him a couple of times and to be honest I don't like him very much."
The maverick forward retaliated with a tweet from his official account.
They seem to have buried the hatchet.