Sprint king Bolt rejects Malta soccer offer

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Sprint superstar Usain Bolt has turned down a contract from Maltese champions Valletta and will remain in Australia to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer, his agent said Thursday.

The eight-time Olympic champion has been on trial with A-League club the Central Coast Mariners since arriving in Australia in August.

He scored two goals in a pre-season friendly last Friday but is yet to be offered a deal, with cashed-up Valletta dangling a two-year trial-free contract to sign him away earlier this week.

But Bolt's agent Ricky Simms said he had opted against a move to the Maltese Premier League team.

"There is a lot of interest in Usain playing football," Simms said.

"We regularly receive similar approaches. I can confirm Usain does not wish to pursue this opportunity in Malta."

Usain Bolt (L) playing for Central Coast Mariners challenges for the ball with Josh Symons of Macarthur South West United (R) in his first competitive start for the club in Sydney, Australia, October 12, 2018. /VCG Photo

Valletta chief executive Ghasston Slimen said, "We wish Usain Bolt all the best with his soccer career. The Valletta FC offer is always on the table."

Australia's domestic A-League season starts this weekend, with the Mariners in action on Sunday away to Brisbane Roar. With no contract, Bolt is not eligible for selection.

Media reports suggest the Mariners are waiting for governing body Football Federation Australia to decide whether it will contribute to a potential three million Australian dollars (2.1 million US dollars) offer to Bolt.

The 32-year-old Jamaican, who retired from athletics last year, has previously tried out with clubs in Germany, South Africa and Norway to no avail.

Source(s): AFP