Usain Bolt Offered Full-Time Contract by Central Coast Mariners

Usain Bolt's agent has said the retired Jamaican sprinter has been offered a full-time contract by A-League outfit the Central Coast Mariners after scoring twice in a recent trial game for the club.

Bolt netted a brace in a friendly against Macarthur South West United, and agent Ricky Simms has since told ESPN: "I can confirm Usain has been offered a contract by Central Coast Mariners."

The eight-time Olympic gold-medal winner recently received an offer to join Maltese club Valletta FC on a two-year contract but turned it down. Bolt is said to be in Melbourne "considering his options."

ESPN provided highlights of Bolt's trial outing against Macarthur South West United, which ended 4-0 in favour of the A-League favourites:

Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp reportedly left the club's offer with Bolt's management, and it's now up to the player as to whether he accepts.

It's a difficult decision for the football newcomer. At 32, he won't get many more chances at playing the game professionally, but Bolt—who previously dazzled in an individual sport, where the spotlight was fixed upon him—may wonder if he could do better.

Mariners coach Mike Mulvey told Fox Sports he was unaware of the Bolt proposition and, judging by his willingness to reel off players who already occupy his attack, isn't champing at the bit to sign the speedster:

Irrespective of the fact he's yet to officially sign for a club, Bolt could be poised to make his virtual football debut, per Squawka:

Central Coast drew 1-1 at Brisbane Roar on Saturday in their 2018-19 A-League season opener and are desperate for change after several years of gloomy results.

The club has finished bottom of the division in two of the past three seasons and hasn't finished above eighth in any of its past four regular-season campaigns. 

The Mariners may not be the most appealing of A-League destinations, but then Bolt has to question whether he could realistically do better given he has no professional experience.

Even from the other side of the world, Bolt was keeping his eye on Manchester United on Saturday, when they drew 2-2 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, while he goes about making his decision:

A professional career appears to await Bolt should the offer prove amicable and he wants to take the Mariners up on their offer, as the fastest man to have ever lived sits on the cusp of a major career transition.