Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has weighed in on Usain Bolt's attempt to become a professional footballer and noted the Jamaican's ability to 'manipulate the press'.
Bolt is currently trialing with Australian club Central Coast Mariners with his agent claiming he has been offered a playing contract by the side.
Mariners coach Mike Mulvey however claimed to know nothing about the offer when asked about it on Sunday.
A-League chief Greg O'Rourke admitted there was an offer, however, while adding it is 'much, much less' than Bolt expected.
Hasselbaink, though, reflected on what he sees as the eight-time gold medalist's ability to make the most of the media.
"You're talking about Usain Bolt, he could manipulate the press however he wanted for all his career, " Hasselbaink told Man on the Street TV.
"So why do you think he can't do it now?"
— Rob Cornthwaite (@robcornthwaite) October 21, 2018
Prior to this reported offer from the Mariners, the sprint king also attracted the attention of Maltese side Valleta FC, who had a two-year contract seemingly turned down by Bolt.
The media spotlight on Bolt has only increased after he scored twice in a trial for the Mariners over a week ago, with Hasselbaink not dismissing what Bolt has been able to achieve to date as he chases his dream to become a footballer.
"But still, it's an achievement for him to score those two goals," he said.
"It's one thing to run as fast as he can, but it's another thing to switch professions."
Hasselbaink has himself gone from player to manager since hanging up the boots in 2008.
After a distinguished playing career, the 46-year-old has since had managerial stints with Royal Antwerp, Burton Albion, Queens Park Rangers and Northampton Town.
He was dismissed as Northampton manager in April after the club failed to win nine straight games.