Sprint king Bolt rejects Malta football offer

Sprint superstar Usain Bolt has rejected a two-year contract from Maltese champions Valletta and will remain in Australia to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

The cashed-up Maltese club dangled a two-year trial-free contract trying to sign Bolt away.

Usain Bolt plays for Central Coast Mariners in a warm-up game against Macarthur South West United  in his first competitive start for the club in Sydney, Australia, October 12, 2018. [Photo: CGTN]

The eight-time Olympic champion has been on trial with the A-League Central Coast Mariners since arriving in Australia in August.

He scored two goals in a pre-season friendly last Friday but is yet to be offered a deal.

Australia's domestic A-League season starts this weekend, with the Mariners in action on Sunday at the Brisbane Roar. With no contract, Bolt is not eligible for selection.

Media reports suggest the Mariners are waiting for Football Federation of Australia to decide whether it will contribute to a potential two million dollar offer to Bolt.

The 32-year-old Jamaican, who retired from athletics last year, has previously tried out with clubs in Germany, South Africa and Norway to no avail.