Usain Bolt’s agent plays down talk of joining Central Coast Mariners on trial

Usain Bolt has not committed to trialling with A-League club Central Coast Mariners, says the sprint king’s agent Ricky Simms.

Australian media reported the eight-time Olympic gold medalist was set to head Down Under for a six-week trial with the Gosford-based club – in the hope of winning his first professional football contract.

But the 30-year-old Jamaican’s agent says a move to Australia is far from confirmed and his client is still considering his options.

“We are looking at various possibilities for Usain in football – the A-League is one of them.” Simms told Omnisport on Wednesday.

“When a decision is made about his future, we will make it public.”

It is understood Football Federation Australia would have to chip in AU$900,000 (£510,000/$669,000) for Bolt to play in the A-League – if he trials at the Mariners and impresses enough to earn a professional contact.

Vision has emerged of Bolt on the football pitch struggling in exhibition matches, including a recent cameo for Norweigan side Stromsgodset against Norway’s under-19 team.

Several Australian critics have dismissed the news of Bolt’s potential signings as PR, including former Socceroo goalkeeper Clint Bolton, who says: “I don’t think anyone genuinely thinks [Usain Bolt] is going to get signed.”

Another former green and gold player, Ljubo Milicevic, believes the signing of Bolt is worth the gamble for the Mariners and the A-League.

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