It's over: Bolt's Australian football dream collapses

Sprint king Usain Bolt's attempt to become a professional footballer with Australia's Central Coast Mariners collapsed as his trial period was terminated after contract talks failed.

The eight-time Olympic champion had been trying out with the A-League side for an indefinite period since arriving in August, hoping to fulfil a childhood dream to become a soccer player.

The 32-year-old superstar's quest garnered worldwide attention, which intensified when he scored two goals in a pre-season friendly.

But his abilities were questioned and the club reportedly offered him only a fraction of the Aus$3 million (USD 2.1 million) his management were said to be seeking, with outside sponsors needed to make the deal viable.

"As previously stated, the club and (Bolt's representative) Ricky Simms have been in conversations with external partners to find a commercial solution that suits all parties," the Mariners said in a statement.

"Despite several promising potential partners, both Bolt and the Central Coast Mariners have amicably concluded that they will not be able to settle on a suitable deal in a timely manner."
- Jamaica calling -
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Keogh, who used to play for Wolves and Cardiff, added: "He's shown a bit (of potential) but it's a little bit of a kick in the teeth to the professionals that are in the league."