Usain Bolt has been offered a contract by Central Coast Mariners after his trial finished, but he’s still yet to sign it at the time of writing.
The world’s fastest man is said to be considering the offer from the A-League club yet the two parties are believed to be some distance apart in terms of wages.
According to ESPN, the Jamaican and his camp asked for $3 million but Mariners were only prepared to offer him around 5 per cent of his demands, with $150,000 their proposal.
A-League boss Greg O’Rourke confirmed that Bolt’s terms are very different to what the club are prepared to give him.
“I understand from Central Coast Mariners that they have tabled an offer to Usain Bolt’s management, which he is considering,” O’Rourke told SEN radio, as per ESPN.
He also added that the Football Federation Australia (FFA) would not be able to step in and cover any of the costs although he did say there have been “marketing conversations”.
Bolt, who scored twice in his final trial game a couple of weeks ago, did not travel with the team for the 1-1 draw against Brisbane Roar and that’s when news of his contract emerged.
However, manager Mike Mulvey played it all down in his post-match press conference and didn’t sound like he sees the eight-time Olympic Gold medalist in his plans.
“You have a look at our front line today and you wonder whether he could get into any of those positions, wouldn’t you?” He said, per the BBC.
“I do appreciate how important this story is for the rest of the world.
“You’re just talking about speculation. I don’t know anything about what you’re talking about – and that’s the honest truth.”
It’s a tricky one for Mariners because Bolt has already raised their profile by just being associated with the club and he’ll no doubt put arses in seats if he does sign on – but then again, he’s not very good at football, is he?
sportbible.com
