Usain Bolt plans to 'show the world' Aussie soccer venture is serious
Usain Bolt touched down in Sydney on Saturday and vowed to prove his A-League undertaking is "real."
The Jamaican sprinter has previously trained with the Bundesliga's Borussia Dortmund and Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset, and is a regular on the charity game circuit. However, despite nearing his 32nd birthday, Bolt is now embarking on a new professional sporting career after joining Australia's Central Coast Mariners on trial for an indefinite period.
"This is real, I've said it since my last season of track and field I want to play football. I know what I'm capable of, I know what I can do, so I'm thankful to the Mariners for giving me this opportunity to show what I'm capable of," he told reporters following an overnight flight, as quoted by Reuters.
"I always put my best foot forward and I'm just going to show the world what I'm made of."
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Bolt delving into the Australian game has inevitably led to criticism that it is merely a desperate stunt by the A-League brass to boost the division's appeal. Central Coast Mariners supporters will be hoping that it is more than that, and that the swift Kingston native will help add firepower to a side that finished bottom of the 10-team league last season with a derisory count of 28 goals in 27 matches.
"This is a very real football opportunity, this is not a stunt or gimmick - we want to know if Usain can play," chief executive Shaun Mielekamp said in July when news surfaced of the Mariners' interest. He also noted reports of Bolt's playing standard were "pretty good."
Big names have gathered in the A-League in the past, such as Alessandro Del Piero and Robbie Fowler, but they are thin on the ground. Bolt was greeted by fans in Australia a day after Adam Le Fondre, an English Football League journeyman who had recently left Bolton Wanderers, was unveiled as a marquee signing by Sydney FC.
"As you all know, I love Australia, so I'm happy to call Australia home for now," Bolt claimed.