Usain Bolt’s trial with Australian football club Central Coast Mariners has come to an end. The Jamaican sprint legend, 32, made headlines when he joined the A-League side for an “indefinite training period” in August.
He netted twice for the Mariners in a friendly, but did not play matches when the season began.
And the club announced Friday that efforts to secure a “commercial solution” to keep him at the club had failed.
The Mariners said last month they had made an offer broken down into “football” and “commercial” terms. However, it hinged on a contribution from a “third party”.
Despite meetings with “several promising potential partners” no deal could be reached, the club said.
Mariners owner Mike Charlesworth thanked Bolt for his eight-week trial, describing it as a success.
“He integrated very well into the team and made great strides as a footballer,” Mr Charlesworth said.
The 100m and 200m world record holder has described it as his “dream” to play professional football.
“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,” he said on Friday.
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