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Home / Sport / Football

Football: Is Usain Bolt bolting from the A-League?

NZ Herald
15 Oct, 2018 05:31 PM6 mins to read

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Usain Bolt of the Mariners gestures during the pre-season friendly match between the Central Coast Mariners and Macarthur South West United. Photo / Getty

Usain Bolt of the Mariners gestures during the pre-season friendly match between the Central Coast Mariners and Macarthur South West United. Photo / Getty

The world's fastest man looks set to be flee his short stint with the Central Coast Mariners.

Usain Bolt's agent has told ESPN that the eight-time Olympic champion has received an offer from a European club on the eve on the new A-League season.

According to his agent it is a two-year deal.

"There is a club in Europe that has offered Bolt a two-year deal, they have been taken over by new owners who have aspirations of Champions League football," Bolt's agent Tony Rallis told ESPN.

The Mariners open the season on Sunday against the Brisbane Roar but Bolt has yet to earn a fulltime contract with the club.

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He scored his first — and second — goals in the weekend but fans are still not convinced by the sprint star.

The world's fastest man was put into space and unleashed a low left footer into the back of the net.

Bolt gave his trademark celebration after scoring.

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Here it is, @usainbolt, the footballer, scores his maiden Mariners goal. What a moment! Don't think limits! ⚡️ #SWSvCCM #CCMFC 🎥@FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/X7zrqmrYCZ

— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) October 12, 2018

While Fox Sports were talking to coach Mike Mulvey, Bolt scored his second as the Macarthur goalkeeper and defender took each other out, meaning he was on a hat-trick.

"You've got to be happy for him. It's one of those moments he'll treasure forever but it was just good football, he shielded the ball well and hit the target. He's had a couple of chances tonight."

Mulvey then rushed back to the bench after saying Bolt was supposed to come off the field but Bolt signalled to the bench he wanted five more minutes.

BOLT HAS HIS BRACE! ⚡️

That's two goals tonight for @usainbolt!! What a moment in sport, don't think limits! #CCMFC 🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/0NeIH9i49V

— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) October 12, 2018

Speaking after he was substituted off the field, Bolt said he was happy with his performance.

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"I think I made some slight mistakes but it's my first real game with the first team. I'm just happy I got a chance and I'm proud of myself," Bolt said.

"It was a big deal, scoring a goal in my first real match is a big deal. To score two goals, it's a good feeling, it's what I'm working towards, I try to improve myself, I try to get better and I'm doing that."

While Bolt scored two, he also missed a couple with some nice headers and attempts.

However, it was a moment in the first minute of the game which saw Bolt chased down which drew the commentators attention.

Bolt found open space but was chased down by Macarthur defender Nathan Millgate, who will be able to tell his mates he chased down the world's fastest man.

After having his shot spoiled by a defender, Bolt said moments like that weren't the end of the world.

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"The coach said to me, you'll get chances, you'll score some, you'll miss some, don't put your head down, keep your head up and try for the next one," he said.

"It caught me surprised and I panicked a bit and over-kicked the ball. But the more you play, the more you learn and you get more accustomed to the game."

When Bolt came from the field in the 75th minute, fans booed the decision.

Bolt had a mixed first half with plenty of chances but also being floored in a nasty challenge.

Mariners teammate Ross McCormack scored first to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead with the ball lobbing over Bolt with a strong header from the goalscorer.

Bolt then found out what can happen in the heat of battle, rolling on the ground after a challenge caught him in a sensitive area.

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After catching his breath, Bolt was back in the action, beating two players after a lucky bounce before his shot was dampened by strong defending by Macarthur.

Bolt then had a golden opportunity after a cross to the box saw found the star with the header going just wide.

The Mariners scored again before halftime to lead 2-0 but almost conceded one with the Macarthur attempt hitting the crossbar.

Then Bolt got on the board, blowing the score out to 4-0, the final score in the match.

BOLT STILL HAS A LONG WAY TO GO: BOSNICH

Fox Sports commentator Mark Bosnich said although there were some slight improvements, Bolt still had a long way to go.

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"Slight improvement if you want to say that but his touch is still very poor," Bosnich said.

"It's the most important thing for a footballer is his touch. We'll have to see how he goes for the rest of the time he's on the park but right here at the start where he seemed to be at his brightest, he did have a wonderful opportunity.

"It's the most important thing for a footballer, his touch, was poor.

"He's playing in a different position than he was in the first game.

"His speed endurance is a little bit better but he still looked tired after 15-20 minutes. He just looks a little bit sharper, not a great deal to be honest.

"There's a slight improvement but not very much."

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Mariners assistant coach Nick Montgomery said Bolt's first attempt at goal was "unfortunate".

"I think his touches just took him to the wrong side and allowed the defence to get back but a good finished from Ross McCormack, so a good start, happy with the start," he said.

"He (Bolt) has massive belief for a guy coming from a different sport to wanting to make it in football. Any kid could learn from his attitude and his belief."

Social media lit up with news of Bolt's performance but many though he still had a long way to go.

Usain Bolt scores, but the damage has been done. On the 54 minutes he has been on the park, it has been pretty dire tbh.

— Ray Gatt (@Gatty54) October 12, 2018

- With news.com.au

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