Usain Bolt will link up with the Central Coast Mariners for an “indefinite training period” in an attempt to realise his dream of becoming a professional footballer. The A-League club has confirmed Bolt, an eight-time Olympic athletics gold medallist, will arrive in Gosford later this month.

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“I am very excited about coming to Australia and would like to thank the owner and management of the Central Coast Mariners for giving me this opportunity,” Bolt said in a statement. The agreement does not guarantee Bolt a playing contract but allows him the chance to chase the opportunity of a start with the Mariners.

They become the fourth club that Bolt has tried out for in an effort to make it in the round ball game, following teams in Germany, Norway and South Africa. But that hasn’t discouraged Bolt, who says he understands the task in front of him.

“I know that it will involve a lot of hard work and training to get to the level required to play and make an impact in the A-League,” Bolt said. “When I spoke to the head coach Mike Mulvey on the phone he outlined the ambitions of the club and his plans for the upcoming season. I hope I can make a positive contribution to the club.

“I always say that ‘anything is possible, don’t think limits’ and I look forward to the challenge.”

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Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp says the club needs to be realistic about the trial but is optimistic about the benefits it could bring.

“It is important that we don’t get too caught up in the hype of possibilities, but ... we are committed to building a team that will win matches and instil belief, hopefully Usain can help us on this mission,” he said.

“We welcome Usain with open arms, and we will always remain grounded and focussed on the job at hand.”