Sprinter-turned-footballer Bolt declares his 'sports life over'

Eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt [Courtesy]

Eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt has declared his “sports life over”, frustrated in his bid to begin a post-athletics career in football.

The Jamaican, 32, spent two months training with Australian side Central Coast Mariners but left in November after the club failed to find financial backing for a professional deal.

“It was fun while it lasted,” said the 100m and 200m world record holder. “I don’t want to say it wasn’t dealt with properly, but I think we went about it not the way we should.”

But he added: “You live and you learn. It was a good experience - I really enjoyed just being in a team.”

Bolt spent two months training with Australian side Central Coast Mariners [Courtesy]

In October 2018, Bolt scored two goals on his first start for the Mariners in a friendly against Macarthur South West, celebrating with his trademark lightning bolt pose.

The A-League side were not the only team interested in signing Bolt - he turned down an offer from Maltese club Valletta because the club could not meet his wage demands.