Usain Bolt ends soccer trial
November 2, 2018
Usain Bolt's attempt to become a soccer professional in Australia came to an end on Friday as his trial with the Central Coast Mariners was terminated after the two sides failed to reach commercial terms.
"The Central Coast Mariners and Usain Bolt's representative Ricky Simms can today advise that the indefinite training period of Usain Bolt with the Mariners has drawn to an end, effective immediately," the Australian club said in a statement.
The eight-time Olympic sprint champion spent eight weeks on trial with the Mariners before the Gosford-based side began its A-League campaign.
His one and only start for the club in an exhibition against Macarthur South West United, a local amateur club, drew thousands of spectators and his two goals generated headlines worldwide.
But the performance didn't lead to a deal between the two sides. The Mariners reportedly offered Bolt, 32, a contract worth 150,000 Australian dollars (€94,700, $110,000), a figure the Australian football association was helping to fund. His management team, which was reportedly seeking 3 million Australian dollars, rejected the offer.
"Despite several promising potential partners, both Bolt [and] the Central Coast Mariners have amicably concluded that they will not be able to settle on a suitable deal in a timely manner," the club's statement read.
Mariners' owner Mike Charlesworth says "It has been a pleasure to work with Usain as he pursued his desire to become a professional football player. This has been a mutually beneficial partnership that brought an increased level of excitement and attention to both the Mariners and the A-League."
dv/bw (AFP, Reuters)