Usain Bolt ends dream of playing soccer: 'The sports life is over'
After attempting to fulfill his dream of playing professional soccer, Usain Bolt declared Monday that "the sports life is over," according to Reuters' Kayon Raynor.
The Jamaican eight-time Olympic gold medalist's pursuit of a soccer career included a trial period with Australian club Central Coast Mariners during the latter half of 2018. However, the two parties couldn't reach a deal, citing the lack of a suitable commercial partner in negotiations.
"I don't want to say it wasn't dealt with properly, but I think we went about it not the way we should (have), and you learn your lesson, you live and you learn," Bolt said. "It was a good experience. I really enjoyed just being in a team ... it was fun while it lasted."
The 32-year-old also received a two-year offer from Maltese outfit Valletta FC in October 2018, though his camp turned it down.
While taking to the pitch may no longer be in Bolt's future, the 100-meter record holder - who retired from track and field in 2017 - hinted he has other commercial ventures in mind.
"I'm just doing many different things ... 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 said.
Aside from his time with Central Coast Mariners, Bolt participated in training stints with Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset, Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, and even appeared in a June 2018 charity match at Old Trafford.
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