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Usain Bolt set to begin football career in Australia

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Bolt wins gold, sets record at Rio

Jamaican former sprinter and an eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt is in talks for a trial to play football in Australia, his agent Tony Rallis says, adding that the trial had been agreed “in principle”.

The 31-year old is negotiating a six-week stint with the Central Coast Mariners, a team in the country’s A-League competition.

Bolt, who has previously spoken about his interest in becoming a professional footballer before retiring from athletics last year, has previously trained with clubs in Germany, Norway and South Africa.

The dream may be closer now to fulfilment as the 100m and 200m world record holder is already negotiating.

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News Corp Australia reported that a “multi-million dollar” deal had been proposed.

“The owner of Central Coast Mariners has put his hand deep in his pocket and guaranteed 70% of the salary,” Mr Rallis told local Sky Sports Radio.

A Football Federal Australia spokesman told the BBC that it would not assist in funding Bolt’s trial.

Mr Mielekamp said the club was optimistic that the trial could be extended.

“If all goes well, who knows? He may be lighting up the A-League this season,” he told the local Seven Network on Tuesday.

“The most important thing is we wait to find out and see how good a footballer he is first.

“Time will tell at what level he is at and it it fits the A-League.”
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