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Usain Bolt quits the A-League

Usain Bolt has quit his A-League trial, rejecting a contract offer from the Central Coast Mariners.

Nov 02, 2018, updated Nov 02, 2018
Usain Bolt during an A-League trial match. Photo: AAP/Dan Himbrechts

Usain Bolt during an A-League trial match. Photo: AAP/Dan Himbrechts

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.

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“We have been thrilled to have … (him) as part of our club for these past eight weeks,” Charlesworth said.

“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

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