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Run's over

Usain Bolt football dream in tatters as sprint legend fails to agree terms with Central Coast Mariners

The Australian side tried to find a 'commercial solution' to keep the Olympic legend with them but it never happened

USAIN BOLT'S dreams of a career in football appear to be in tatters after the Australian side he was training with decided not to offer him a contract.

The eight-time Olympic sprint champion, 32, joined A-League side Central Coast Mariners for an "indefinite training period" in August.

Usain Bolt's 'dreams' of being a pro footballer look to be hanging by a thread
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Usain Bolt's 'dreams' of being a pro footballer look to be hanging by a threadCredit: Reuters

The future looked bright when he scored twice on his debut.

But that was in a friendly and he was left on the bench when the season began, with one rival saying his first touch was "like a trampoline".

The club said they needed to find a "commerical solution" to keep Bolt - who was said to want a package worth around £1.6million - but it never materialised.

A statement read: "The Central Coast Mariners and Usain Bolt’s representative Ricky Simms can today advise that the indefinite training period of Usain Bolt with the Mariners has drawn to an end, effective immediately.

The Jamaican sprint king must now look for opportunities to play the beautiful game elsewhere
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The Jamaican sprint king must now look for opportunities to play the beautiful game elsewhereCredit: EPA
Bolt saw his first touch being mocked by a rival player Down Under
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Bolt saw his first touch being mocked by a rival player Down UnderCredit: Reuters

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"As previously stated, the Club and Ricky Simms have been in conversations with external partners to find a commercial solution that suits all parties.

"Despite several promising potential partners, both Bolt & the Central Coast Mariners have amicably concluded that they will not be able to settle on a suitable deal in a timely manner."

Bolt - who found himself the subject of a bizarre "slavery" gaffe by a TV presenter - said: "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. I wish the club success for the season ahead."

Bolt retired from athletics in 2017 and has previously trained with Borussia Dortmund, South African side Mamelodi Sundowns and Norwegian club Stromsgodset.

The Jamaica national team have expressed an interest in seeing Bolt play for them
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The Jamaica national team have expressed an interest in seeing Bolt play for themCredit: AP:Associated Press
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Bolt, the 100m and 200 world record holder, has described it as his "dream" to play professional football.

His native Jamaica reckon he could fit into the national side - but only if he plays for a Caribbean club first.

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