Usain Bolt made a shock trip to Wigan to celebrate the birthday of Bolton icon Ricardo Gardner.
The Jamaican sprinting legend has been retired since 2017 after winning eight Olympic gold medals. The 38-year-old is a huge fan of football and has regularly been spotted taking in matches at his beloved Manchester United.
Despite his affection for the Red Devils, it appears that Bolt also has links to other former Premier League clubs. He was spotted at swanky Wigan restaurant La Casa Astley celebrating the birthday of countryman Gardner.
The former winger is a Bolton Wanderers hero having made over 400 outings for the Trotters including 11 seasons at Premier League level. He was celebrating his 46th birthday.
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Taking to Instagram with a picture of the pair, Bolt gave his well wishes. He wrote: “Big up me g on him strong @ricardobibigardner love and love alone.”
Meanwhile, the restaurant’s official account posted: "We’re thrilled to welcome back the legendary Usain Bolt to La Casa! Always a pleasure serving the fastest man on earth - where great food meets great company."
Restaurant manager Pietro Garrafa admitted that he was slightly starstruck when Bolt walked through the door. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, he said: "I just started a week ago, but I know that quite a few celebrities come to us because our food is very authentic.
"I didn't take the reservation, but I was shocked to see him when he came in. Everyone was asking for pictures and he and Ricardo were lovely, there was a family of Bolton fans who were dining there too and Ricardo took a picture and spoke to them. Bolt was very kind and we kept the restaurant open until midnight for them, we loved it."
Who is your ultimate Premier League cult hero? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Bolt has not revealed whether he was rooting for Bolton during Gardner’s time at the club. But he has previously opened up on why he supports the Red Devils.
Speaking to the club’s official website in 2017, he said: "Ruud [van Nistelrooy] was the one who made me start supporting Manchester United. Just watching him play, a striker at the level he was, playing for United.
"It was like 'this guy is one of the best', you know what I mean, and, for me, he is why I started watching Manchester United. I never turned back and I've just seen great players after great players coming to United and doing a great job."
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