There have been a lot of interest in signing Usain Bolt, not because of his outstanding football skills, but because of the global media attention he enjoys and the business he could attract for any club that eventually sign him.
Just for scoring two goals in a pre-season friendly for a largely unknown Australian A-league team, Bolt got the headlines across the international media, and the Mariners FC was the better for it, became globally popular overnight.
Bolt is eight -time Olympic champion and darling of the world media with millions of teeming fans across the globe. But has prefer to pursue his life long dream to rather become a football star than a sprint super star.
But he has tried out in both Manchester united and Borussia Dortmund without such success in the pitch like the tracks.
Bolt is yet to be offered a deal in Australia, club chief executive Shaun Mielekamp said this week the Jamaican “ will continue his indefinite training period until further notice” .
Reports suggest the Mariners are waiting for governing body Football Federation Australia to decide whether it will contribute to a potential Aus $ 3 million ( US $ 2 .1 million ) offer to the 100m world record holder, knowing the kind of attention his presence will bring to the Australian league.
Sydney ’s Daily Telegraph on Thursday reported Bolt and Mielekamp sat down for a coffee in the wake of the Malta offer for clarity on his future.
A group of investors from the Sanban Group in the United Arab Emirates engineered the cashed -up Valletta to dangle a two -year trial -free contract to entice Bolt away from Australia earlier this week .
Bolt signing for Valletta will enable the Maltese club seal a Shirt Sponsorship deal with an undisclosed brand, that may worth $102m USD.
But the sprint superstar has turned down the contract from the Maltese champions Valletta and will remain in Australia to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Bolt ’s agent Ricky Simms said he had opted against a move to the Maltese Premier League team:
“ There is a lot of interest in Usain playing football , ” he told ESPN.
“ We regularly receive similar approaches . I can confirm Usain does not wish to pursue this opportunity in Malta."
He said the 32 -year - old , who regards Australia as a second home , might consider accepting less money if it means locking in a contract .
But Valletta chief executive Ghasston Slimen told the broadcaster :
“ We wish Usain Bolt all the best with his football career . The Valletta FC offer is always on the table .”
