Mariners owner Mike Charlesworth had initially pledged Aus$1.5 million, but the deal now offered to the sprinter was much less than this, it added. Club coach Mike Mulvey said he had heard nothing of an offer
Usain Bolt
Australia's Central Coast Mariners have offered sprint superstar Usain Bolt a contract, reports said Monday, but the club's coach said he knows nothing about it.
The eight-time Olympic champion has been on trial with the A-League side since August to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer. He scored two goals in a pre-season friendly last week and on Thursday turned down a two-year, trial-free deal from cashed-up Maltese champions Valletta.
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“I can confirm Usain has been offered a contract by Central Coast Mariners,” Bolt's agent Ricky Simms told the BBC. The club had no immediate comment yesterday but Sydney's Daily Telegraph said he had been offered only a fraction of the Aus$3 million (US$2.1 million) that his management had discussed months ago when the prospect of a trial was first mooted. The newspaper said the potential deal was based on Football Federation Australia contributing Aus$750,000 and other sponsors also topping it up.
Mariners owner Mike Charlesworth had initially pledged Aus$1.5 million, but the deal now offered to the sprinter was much less than this, it added. Club coach Mike Mulvey said he had heard nothing of an offer.
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