Usain Bolt quits the A-League
Usain Bolt has quit his A-League trial, rejecting a contract offer from the Central Coast Mariners.
The Olympic sprint great has been unable to strike a deal with the Mariners, which largely hinged on finding a commercial partner to boost his salary.
Bolt had been on trial at the Mariners for the past two months.
Central Coast were understood to have offered Bolt a contract in the vicinity of $150,000, without any guarantee that the Jamaican would get an A-League game.
Bolt’s camp, the Mariners and Football Federation Australia had been seeking a commercial partner to increase the amount of the offer.
Mariners’ owner Mike Charlesworth said the club and Bolt had concluded they wouldn’t be able to settle any suitable deal in a timely manner.
“I would like to thank the Central Coast Mariners’ owners, management, staff, players and fans for making me feel so welcome during my time there,” Bolt said in a statement released by the club today.
“I wish the club success for the season ahead.”
Charlesworth deemed Bolt’s trial “mutually beneficial” for the club and the eight-time Olympic gold medallist.
“We have been thrilled to have … (him) as part of our club for these past eight weeks,” Charlesworth said.
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“For the Mariners, 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.
“From day one, Usain dedicated himself to being part of the Mariners. He integrated very well into the team and made great strides as a footballer.”
– AAP
