Sprint king Usain Bolt rejected an offer from Maltese football club Valletta FC and will stay in Australia to pursue a boyhood dream of playing professional football.
Bolt, who has been on trial with Australia's Central Coast Mariners, was offered a contract by Valletta after he scored two goals in a pre-season friendly match against Macarthur South West United in Sydney last week.
Bolt's agent Ricky Simms said that a lot of interest has been generated since the star athlete started playing football. “I can confirm Usain does not wish to pursue this opportunity in Malta.”
Valletta chief executrive Ghasston Slimen, meanwhile, wished Bolt all the best with his football career and added that their offer is “always on the table”.
The former sprinter had previously tried out with clubs in Germany, Norway and South Africa, but has struck out so far. Bolt and his agent Simms have confirmed that he will remain in Australia with the Mariners though the A-League club has not offered a contract yet.
The Central Coast Mariners, however, is waiting for confirmation from Football Federation Australia to contribute to an offer worth AUD 3 million to Bolt.
Since retiring from athletics last year, the eight-time Olympic champion has been pursuing his desire to become a professional footballer.
