Usain Bolt: Eight-time Olympic champion 'turns down' Valletta contract
Last updated on .From the section Football
Usain Bolt has turned down a two-year deal from Maltese champions Valletta FC, as he continues his pursuit to become a professional footballer.
The winner of eight Olympic sprinting titles, who retired from athletics in 2017, is currently on trial at Australia's Central Coast Mariners.
Bolt, 32, scored two goals in a recent pre-season friendly but has not been offered a contract.
"Usain does not wish to pursue this Malta opportunity," said his agent.
"There is a lot of interest in Usain playing football," Ricky Simms also told ESPN. "We regularly receive similar approaches."
In response, Valletta chief executive Ghasston Slimen said: "We wish Usain Bolt all the best with his football career. The Valletta FC offer is always on the table."
Australia's Daily Telegraph reported that Bolt and Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp spoke about the Jamaican's future at the A-League club, who begin their domestic campaign on Sunday.
The Mariners are said to be waiting for governing body Football Federation Australia to decide whether it will contribute to a potential $3m Aus (£1.63m) offer to the 100m and 200m world record holder.
Mariners coach Mike Mulvey was reluctant to talk about Bolt on Thursday, adding he was not involved in negotiations.
"I'm really not interested in it [contract speculation] to tell you the truth," he said.
"He's been great among the guys and I was happy for him last week with the two goals he scored, but we move on."
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Surprised Tony Pulis hasn't bought him
Good publicity stunt...and great pies.
- Winston Churchill
"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind"
- Neil Armstrong
"Defeat is good"
- Usain Bolt's chiropodist
Regardless of ability, he's at an age where even the very best footballers are declining.
Athleticism is great, speed is great, but tactically he's going to go missing regardless of where he ends up.
Actually, I'm thinking of Raheem Sterling. My mistake.
Crazy world.