Bolt take part in first training with Mariners

Sprint king vows to work hard in order to become professional footballer

GOSFORD: Usain Bolt has taken the first tentative steps towards his Manchester United dream after the sprint king joined Australian side Central Coast Mariners for his first training session Tuesday.

Wearing gloves and tracksuit bottoms despite a mild winter's day, the Jamaican did some light stretching, jogging and ball work with the rest of the squad in his maiden drill since being given the chance to win a playing contract by the A-League team.

He showed glimpses of good control, but also some heavy touches, favouring his left foot.



"It's just like track and field — the first day of training is always the roughest one. You can tell how much work you need to put in. But it felt OK, you know," said Bolt after the 45-minute workout.

The superstar athlete, who also celebrated his 32nd birthday Tuesday, has been given an opportunity by the Mariners despite already trying out with teams in Germany, Norway and South Africa to no avail since retiring from athletics last year.

They hope to turn him into A-League material in time for the start of the 2018-19 season in late October, with the club saying he can stay indefinitely to prove his credentials.



A 70-strong media pack made the trek to the club's base in the town of Gosford, 75 kilometres north of Sydney, to witness Bolt ease into his new life.

The eight-time Olympic champion and the fastest man on earth said he was determined to prove any doubters wrong.

"I'm not setting myself any targets, I'm just going to put in the work," he said. "This is my first chance to get to a level to play as a professional, so I don't know what to expect. I'm just here to push myself. I'm here with a blank slate, I'm here to learn and get better."