Usain Bolt was spotted dining out in Wigan to celebrate the birthday of ex-Bolton star Ricardo Gardner.
The Olympic legend is close friends with fellow Jamaican Gardner and the pair ventured out to the swanky La Casa Astley restaurant on Wednesday for a celebratory meal.
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Bolt and Gardner headed out for a slap-up meal in Wigan to celebrate the ex-Premier League star’s 46th birthday[/caption]
Bolt featured on the Instagram page of the Italian eatery for what appears to be the third time this year alone, in what has clearly become a regular place to dine.
The restaurant has welcomed an array of names from the world of sport including former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and boxer Tommy Fury.
Staff posed alongside the Olympian as posed for pictures which were posted on the restaurant’s social media accounts alongside the caption: “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.”
Bolt was happy to share a post of his own in celebration of Gardner’s 46th birthday, writing: “Big up me g on him strong @ricardobibigardner love and love alone.”
Restaurant manager Pietro Garrafa, who recently started working at the restaurant, admitted being shocked when Bolt walked through the door.
“I just started a week ago, but I know that quite a few celebrities come to us because our food is very authentic,” he told Manchester Evening News.
“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.
lacasa.astleyBolt left smiles on the faces of restaurant staff during his visit on Wednesday[/caption]
Ricardo Gardner was a key figure for Bolton under Sam Allardyce
“Bolt was very kind and we kept the restaurant open until midnight for them, we loved it.”
The world’s fastest man is enjoying retirement from athletics after leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
The Jamaican won a whopping eight Olympic gold medals during his glittering career and broke the record for the 100m and 200m events.
Meanwhile, Gardner is a Bolton legend having played 397 times for the club, scoring 21 times over a 14-year period.
He retired from football in 2014 and was appointed head coach of Jamaica’s U20 team a year later.
His latest managerial stint came with Jamaican club Harbour View, a role he held for three years before stepping down in 2018.
Gardner tried his hand as assistant coach at Portmore United, but left the club in 2021 before moving back to England.
