Usain Bolt quits Central Coast Mariners over contract dispute

Usain Bolt has quit his A-League trial, rejecting a contract offer from the Central Coast Mariners.

The Olympic sprint great has been unable to strike a deal with the Mariners, which largely hinged on finding a commercial partner to boost his salary.

Bolt had been on trial at the Mariners for the past two months.

Central Coast were understood to have offered Bolt a contract in the vicinity of $150,000, without any guarantee that the Jamaican would get an A-League game.

Bolt’s camp, the Mariners and Football Federation Australia had been seeking a commercial partner to increase the amount of the offer.

Mariners’ owner Mike Charlesworth said the club and Bolt had concluded they wouldn’t be able to settle any suitable deal in a timely manner.

“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,” Bolt said in a statement released by the club on Friday.

“I wish the club success for the season ahead.”

Charlesworth deemed Bolt’s trial “mutually beneficial” for the club and the eight-time Olympic gold medallist.

“We have been thrilled to have … (him) as part of our club for these past eight weeks,” Charlesworth said.

“For the Mariners, it has been a pleasure to work with Usain as he pursued his desire to become a professional football player.

“This has been a mutually beneficial partnership that brought an increased level of excitement and attention to both the Mariners and the A-League.

“From day one, Usain dedicated himself to being part of the Mariners. He integrated very well into the team and made great strides as a footballer.”

‘Come home to Jamaica’

On Thursday, Bolt was urged to sign a professional contract with a Jamaican club, to win himself a place in the national team.

Jamaican FA President Michael Ricketts believes the national hero could become an asset to his country.

“Usain has a special attribute in his speed,” Ricketts told ESPN FC.

“If he can add a little bit of skill, some flair, he could supplement this Jamaican team.

“The players would certainly welcome someone like Usain. I have had informal discussions with some of them and they are excited at the prospect of playing with Usain.

“If he can make the transition from being a superstar on the track to being a good enough football player, then we will certainly call him up.”

with AAP