Usain Bolt turned down an offer from Maltese Premier League club Valletta.GETTY IMAGES
Usain Bolt instructed his management to "knock back the chance to take up an immediate professional contract with a club in Malta in a bid to prove himself in the A-League," according to Ray Gatt of THE AUSTRALIAN. The Jamaican confirmed the decision on Wednesday, telling Central Coast CEO Shaun Mielekamp that he wants to stay in Australia and "fight legitimately for a contract with the Mariners." Club sources confirmed that Bolt met with Mielekamp to tell him of his decision. Mielekamp was unavailable for comment. Bolt's agent, Ricky Simms, also confirmed the decision to reject the Valletta offer. Simms said, "There is a lot of interest in Usain playing football. We regularly receive similar approaches. I can confirm Usain does not wish to pursue this opportunity in Malta" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 10/17). FOX SPORTS reported Central Coast Mariners captain Matt Simon said that Bolt has made "immense strides" since arriving at Central Coast but "is refusing to shed light" on whether the 32-year-old will remain at the club. The Mariners have "shut down talk of Bolt signing a contract before their season opener" against Brisbane on Sunday he "continues to trial for a spot." Simon said, "I'm not too sure with what's all happening with Usain. It's probably a question for the CEO. It's not a distraction at all. He's been here for a couple of months now so everywhere we go with Usain, everyone's talking about him so it's just been down to business (FOX SPORTS, 10/17).
