Usain Bolt has given up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer, saying “the sports life is over” for him, frustrated in his bid to begin a post-athletics career in football.
The Jamaican sprinter spent two months training with Australian side Central Coast Mariners but left in November after the club failed to find financial backing for a professional deal. “It was fun while it lasted,” the 32-year-old reportedly said, adding, “I don’t want to say it wasn't dealt with properly, but I think we went about it not the way we should.”
Bolt, who retired from athletics in 2017 and still holds the 100m and 200m world records, said he does not regret trying to become a professional footballer. “You live and you learn. It was a good experience - I really enjoyed just being in a team.”
He also turned down an offer from Maltese club Valletta, reportedly because the club could not afford his wage demands. “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 businessman now,” he reportedly said to a leading media organisation.