Usain Bolt in talks to play for Central Coast Mariners
If the Central Coast Mariners get their way, we could be seeing a lot more of Usain Bolt.
The former Jamaican sprinter is in talks with the Sydney soccer club to take part in a six-week trial that could see him signed for the full season. What a coup!
“There’s still a lot of work to do in regards to understanding exactly how the deal would work out and how things would look, but things are very positive at the moment so we’re really excited that looks like a good six week trial period that we’ll be able to facilitate,” Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp told Seven News.
.@usainbolt set for a 6 week trial with the @CCMariners football team. #Aleague #7News pic.twitter.com/rrtrGZsVRY
— 7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) July 16, 2018
“And if all goes well, who knows, he might be lighting up the A-League this season,” he added.
Despite today’s news, there is still more work that needs to be done before the Mariners land his signature, Mielekamp said.
Bolt’s agent Tony Rallis told Channel Nine that Bolt is 100% committed to playing soccer.
Club statement, regarding @usainbolt: https://t.co/YEPoldhcXb#CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/CmS7KjJdTZ
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) July 16, 2018
“He is dead-set serious to be the best he can possibly be. We think that his best will be enough to play or play a part in an A-League competition,” he said.
However, the deal still has to be approved by the FFA and the Mariners also need to find the cash to pay the former track star.
Bolt, who retired from athletics in 2017, is an eight-time Olympian and the world record-holder for the 100m and 200m sprints.
He has recently trained with teams in Europe, including Norwegian team Stromsgodset and German side Borussia Dortmund.
Let’s hope we get him to sign on the dotted line!
Image Credit: Getty via Zimbio.
