Bolt 'offered Cut-price Deal' In Australia - Media
Muhammad Rameez Published October 22, 2018 | 02:40 PM
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.
Sydney, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Oct, 2018 ) :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 arriving in 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.
"I can confirm Usain has been offered a contract by Central Coast Mariners," the Jamaican's agent Ricky Simms told the BBC.
The club had no immediate comment on Monday, 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 put together in May -- on the premise of Bolt passing a trial first -- 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.
The 100m world-record holder, who retired from athletics last year, has previously tried out with clubs in Germany, South Africa and Norway.
The 32-year-old's form so far has been criticised by several pundits, but his two goals captured the imagination of the sporting public.
Club coach Mike Mulvey said he had heard nothing of an offer, and cast doubt on whether Bolt, who likes to play up front, would make the grade given the quality of players he already has at his disposal.
"You have a look at our front line today and you wonder whether he could get into any of those positions. Wouldn't you?" Mulvey said after the team drew their opening A-League game of the season 1-1 away to Brisbane Roar on Sunday.
"I do appreciate how important this story is for the rest of the world. You're just talking about speculation. I don't know anything about what you're talking about and that's God's honest truth."The Mariners boast Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack on their payroll, after the Scottish international agreed a season-long loan deal.
They also have Tommy Oar, who has played 28 times for the Socceroos, along with Connor Pain, who cleverly scored their goal on Sunday.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From Sports
-
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
5 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
6 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
8 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
9 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
9 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
8 hours ago
-
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
8 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
8 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
8 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
8 hours ago -
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
10 hours ago -
Usain Bolt named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
11 hours ago