Usain Bolt, Valletta contract goes south

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.”