Bolt not giving up on professional football career

The Olympic gold medalist sprinter did not come to an agreement on a contract with the Central Coast Mariners, but hopes for other opportunities

Usain Bolt has not closed the door on the dream of a football career despite being unable to come to an agreement on a contract with the Central Coast Mariners of the A-League.

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist sprinter had been on trial with the Mariners for two months.

The 32-year-old Bolt played in a couple of friendlies for the Mariners, netting a brace in one of those contests, and fared well enough on trial to be offered a contract by the club.

However, the offer was far below what Bolt was aiming to receive, and though he, his representatives and the club sought commercial sponsors in order to help make up the difference, no agreement was reached.

As a result, the club announced earlier this week they and Bolt had agreed to amicably terminate his trial.

Though he ultimately leaves the Mariners without a contract, Bolt is hopeful he will find an opportunity elsewhere.

“For sure. We’ll see what happens,” Bolt said. “I think people are still contacting my agent now about opportunities, so we’ll see in which direction it goes.”

The Mariners previously thanked Bolt following his trial, praising how he worked with the team and the attention and excitement he brought to the club and the A-League.

Bolt echoed those sentiments, saying he had an enjoyable time on trial and left the club on a positive note.

“It’s sad that it didn’t work out but we parted on good terms and that’s a good thing,” Bolt told the Herald Sun.

“I had a great experience with them. The guys were great. We just couldn’t work out things with the contract. Hopefully I get another chance with another team.”

Bolt has previously trialled with teams in Germany, Norway and South Africa without landing a professional deal.

However, he did appear to turn some heads in Australia, as while on trial, he was offered a contract with Maltese side Valletta, which he turned down.

In addition, the president of the Jamaica FA said should Bolt show further development of his footballing abilities, he could be in line for an international call-up.

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