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Usain Bolt gives up on his hopes as a professional football player

Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt celebrates scoring a goal for A-League football club Central Coast Mariners in his first competitive start for the club against Macarthur South West United in Sydney on October 12, 2018
Image: Usain Bolt has called time on his sporting career after admitting his career in football has not worked out for him

Usain Bolt has given up on his dream of becoming a professional football player, adding "it was fun while it lasted".

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist had a trial at A-League side Central Coast Mariners and spent two months in Australia, eventually being released from the club in November.

Bolt made two appearances for the Mariners, both coming in friendly matches, scoring two goals against amateur side Macarthur South West United.

However, he has admitted his stint in professional football has not worked out for him, and he is ready to call time on his sporting career to focus on his business endeavours.

Usain Bolt celebrates scoring for Central Coast Mariners in pre-season friendly
Image: Usain Bolt celebrates scoring for Central Coast Mariners in a pre-season friendly against Macarthur South West United

"I don't want to say it wasn't dealt with properly, but I think we went about it, not the way we should and you learn your lesson, you live and you learn," he told Reuters.

"It was a good experience. I really enjoyed just being in a team and it was must different from track and field and it was fun while it lasted.

"I'm just doing many different things ... the sports life is over, so I'm now moving into different businesses, I have a lot of things in the pipeline, so as I say, I'm just dabbling in everything and trying to be a business man now."

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The 32-year-old was unable to agree a contract with the Central Coast Mariners at the end of his trial and also turned down a contract offer from Maltese club La Valletta.

As well as his time at the Mariners, Bolt has trained with Norwegian team Stromsgodset and German club Borussia Dortmund in his quest to become a professional footballer.

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