Usain Bolt may finally realise his dream of playing professional football in the coming months, after entering negotiations for a six week trial with Australian side, Central Coast Mariners.
The Jamaican sprinter has always wanted to move into the world of football and recently displayed his skills to the world in the Soccer Aid for Unicef friendly.
The Central Coast Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp revealed that the club has spent months chasing Bolt and that a season-long loan deal could be wrapped up soon.
Bolt has previously trained with Borussia Dortmund but unsurprisingly lacks the skill to play for a top-level club.
“The most important thing is we wait to find out and see how good a footballer he is first,” Mr Mielekamp said.
“Time will tell at what level he is at and if it fits the A-League.”
Bolt’s trials at various clubs in Europe have received good reviews, but playing in a professional league is a different story.
Football agent Tony Rallis, who is brokering the move, says a deal has been agreed in principle and that negotiation is ongoing over Bolt’s wages. The Mariners chief executive has “guaranteed 70% of the salary,” according to Rallis.
Bolt retired from athletics last year and still holds the world record for the 100m and 200m sprints.
