Usain Bolt Agrees to Train With Australia A-League Club

Usain Bolt has negotiated an ''indefinite training period'' with Central Coast Mariners in Australia's A-League as he pursues his bid to become a professional soccer player.

SYDNEY (AP) Usain Bolt has negotiated an ''indefinite training period'' with Central Coast Mariners in Australia's A-League as he pursues his bid to become a professional soccer player.

Bolt quit track and field as an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and owner of the 100- and 200-meter world records, and has been chasing another career ambition.

Bolt says, ''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.''

The 31-year-old Jamaican says, ''It has been my dream to play professional football and 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.''

The Mariners released a statement on Tuesday saying the agreement does not guarantee Bolt a professional contract but does give him the opportunity.

Bolt is set to join the club, based north of Sydney in Gosford, this month.