LONDON – Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt will train with Australia's Central Coast Mariners as he continues his quest to become a professional soccer player, the A-League team said on Tuesday.
Bolt won eight Olympic golds and since retiring from athletics has trained with Germany's Borussia Dortmund, South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns and Norway's Stromsgodset.
He will link up with the Australian side later this month.
“I am very excited about coming to Australia and would like to thank the owner and management of the Central Coast Mariners for giving me this opportunity,” the 31-year-old Jamaican said.
“It has been my dream to play professional football and I know it will involve a lot of hard work and training to get to the level required to play and make an impact in the A-League.”
We’re set to welcome @usainbolt to @CCMariners for an indefinite training period. Let’s hear from the world’s fastest man.
Read more ⚡ https://t.co/kOtlPUPWz8 #CCMFC pic.twitter.com/LsSxYLSbhl
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) August 7, 2018
Mariners said the deal did not guarantee a professional playing contract with them.
“Having Usain Bolt come to the club to train and hopefully develop into a professional football player is perfectly aligned to this part of the club's philosophy,” Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp said.
“It is important that we don't get too caught up in the hype of possibilities, but the reality is that Usain Bolt has placed his faith in the Central Coast Mariners to accelerate his football journey.”
Manchester United fan Bolt has previously stated his desire to play for the Premier League champions.