Audio By Carbonatix
Usain Bolt has turned down a two-year deal from Maltese champions Valletta FC, as he continues his pursuit to become a professional footballer.
The winner of eight Olympic sprinting titles, who retired from athletics in 2017, is currently on trial at Australia's Central Coast Mariners.
Bolt, 32, scored two goals in a recent pre-season friendly but has not been offered a contract.
"Usain does not wish to pursue this Malta opportunity," said his agent.
"There is a lot of interest in Usain playing football," Ricky Simms also told ESPN. "We regularly receive similar approaches."
In response, Valletta chief executive Ghasston Slimen said: "We wish Usain Bolt all the best with his football career. The Valletta FC offer is always on the table."
Australia's Daily Telegraph reported that Bolt and Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp spoke about the Jamaican's future at the A-League club, who begin their domestic campaign on Sunday.
The Mariners are said to be waiting for governing body Football Federation Australia to decide whether it will contribute to a potential $3m Aus (£1.63m) offer to the 100m and 200m world record holder.
Mariners coach Mike Mulvey was reluctant to talk about Bolt on Thursday, adding he was not involved in negotiations.
"I'm really not interested in it [contract speculation] to tell you the truth," he said.
"He's been great among the guys and I was happy for him last week with the two goals he scored, but we move on."
Latest Stories
-
“Where power lies should not determine who is prosecuted” – Tsatsu Tsikata
28 minutes -
Harriet Nartey nominated for Antalya Diplomacy Forum in TĂĽrkiye
42 minutes -
My siblings and I were blessed with parents who ignited our quest for knowledge – Tsatsu Tsikata
43 minutes -
Mayekoo brings safe water to more than 500 pupils at Vakpo E.P. Primary school
44 minutes -
2024 election result vindicates Mahama after 2020 petition dismissal – Tsatsu Tsikata
1 hour -
Firestorm destroys commercial containers in Accra
1 hour -
Gov’t imposes curfew on 11 Gushegu district communities after chieftaincy clashes
1 hour -
Gas supply disrupted after major fault at Ghana Gas Processing Plant
1 hour -
GPRTU welcomes fuel price cut, suspends planned fare increases
2 hours -
Bawumia is the most prepared and best leader for Ghana beyond 2028 – Abu Jinapor
2 hours -
UMB appoints Noble Eduamah as Group Head, Corporate Banking, strengthening leadership for long-term success
2 hours -
Ecosystems over silos: How Access Bank’s Fintech partnerships are redefining value in Ghana’s financial services sector
2 hours -
GFA hands over five vehicles to RFAs, technical units under FIFA Forward Programme
2 hours -
Drug control must go beyond enforcement to public health response – NACOC Boss
2 hours -
High Court restrains EOCO and halts “WANTED” declaration against Dr Gabriel Kwamigah-Atokple
2 hours