Usain Bolt continued his charm offensive towards the Brazilian public on Friday (17 April), turning down the chance to tease his adoring hosts when asked about the nation’s 7-1 defeat by Germany at last year’s FIFA World Cup. The Jamaican sprint star, who is a keen Manchester United fan and has even spoken of a second sporting career as a footballer, is in Rio for the third Mano a Mano Challenge. Asked at a press conference about his mutual respect for Brazilian football captain Neymar, and the shock the host nation suffered last year, Bolt was the picture of diplomacy.

“I know Neymar is a fan of mine, and I am a fan of his too, and yes I did see the 7-1,” said the six-time Olympic champion. “I didn’t want to talk about this, but now you have asked me... it was a shock. Not only for me or for Brazil, but for the whole sporting world. Everyone thinks of Brazil as a powerhouse of football. But, as an athlete, I know that these kinds of things can happen to anybody.”

Bolt, sitting alongside compatriot and three-time Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown, compared the role of football in Brazil with that of sprinting in Jamaica. “We always try to find a reason for the success of Jamaica on the running track, but I think that it’s something very similar to football in Brazil,” he said. “It’s the main sport here, so it receives the most investment, and this helps develop the top players. In Jamaica, this is what happens with athletics.”

Bolt is a passionate fan of Manchester United (Photo getty Images/Shaun Botterill)

Campbell-Brown, who will also participate in the Mano a Mano event, said that a variety of factors were behind Jamaica’s apparent conveyor belt of successful sprinters. “It’s undeniable that Jamaica has had a lot of luck in having lots of talented runners, and it’s clear that recognition and scholarships help develop new athletes,” she said. “But, without a doubt, the main factor is a lot of hard work – this is the key to any type of success.”

As excitement builds towards to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, which will be Bolt’s last, he was asked about his rivals for gold – the USA’s Justin Gatlin being among the main challengers. In response, the Jamaican struck a respectful but confident note. “They are all top-level athletes and I respect them all, but I don’t think about their times because I know that when I’m on top form, I’m difficult to beat.”

Bolt, whose 100m world record is 9.58, said he was in better shape than he was for last year’s Mano a Mano event in Copacabana, but stressed that he was still in early-season mode. “I’m feeling good, better than I did last year, but I’m not focused on times at the moment. I can only say that I will try to run (the 100m) in less than 10 seconds.”

The third Mano a Mano Challenge will reach its climax on Sunday (19 April) morning, when Bolt will compete at the Brazilian Jockey Club in Rio. Entry is free.

Check out our exclusive video with Bolt: