Usain Bolt adamant football career not over

Sprint legend, Usain Bolt is adamant his football career is not over despite his trial with Australian club, Central Coast Mariners collapsing.

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The eight-time Olympic champion’s “indefinite” try-out period with the A-League’s Central Coast Mariners collapsed on Friday after contract talks failed.

Speaking with Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper at the Derby Day horse races in Melbourne, Bolt said;

“It’s sad that it didn’t work out, but we parted on good terms, and that’s a good thing.

“I had a great experience with them. The guys were great — we just couldn’t work out things with the contract, but hopefully I get another chance with another team.”

Bolt, who retired from athletics last year, has long dreamed of becoming a soccer player and had been training with the Mariners since August, sparking global interest when he scored two goals in a pre-season friendly.

But the staunch Manchester United fan’s abilities were questioned by pundits and some players and he has now had trials with clubs in Germany, South Africa, Norway, and Australia to no avail.

Asked if he would keep pursuing his quest to become a footballer despite another setback, the 32-year-old said:

“For sure.

“We’ll see what happens. I think people are still contacting my agent now about opportunities, so we’ll see in which direction it goes.

“For me, I’ve learned that I still have it.

“I figure that I was improving a lot, so as you can see from the first game to the last game, I really improved and did better. I’ve learned that it’s a little bit harder, but it’s all about dedication and work with the team.”