Usain Bolt’s soccer career in Australia has come to an end with the announcement Friday that the Olympic sprint champion and the Central Coast Mariners have failed to reach a deal.

Bolt made the move from sprinter to soccer player this summer, joining the Mariners for an “indefinite training period.” He scored two goals in his first start for the club last month, a pre-season friendly.

Shaun Mielekamp, the team’s CEO, said the decision not to retain Bolt was due to timing, but didn’t close the door on bringing him back.

“We all wanted this to work. There’s no doubt that everybody from Usain to the players to the club, everybody together genuinely believed that if this was the right and if this could really make a big difference, then it would happen. The reality is it didn’t get there.” 

Bolt’s agent Ricky Simms told CNN last month that his client had rejected a two-year contract from Maltese Premier League champions Valletta.

Bolt’s trial with Australian A-League team garnered significant interest and press attention across the globe, something Mielekamp said was much appreciated.

“To have our club on the world stage and in the world media was something we will forever be grateful for,” he said. “This was a great ride.” 

This was a total PR stunt, nothing more. 

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