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Usain Bolt ends dream of playing soccer: 'The sports life is over'

Rob Newell - CameraSport / CameraSport / Getty

After attempting to fulfill his dream of playing professional soccer, Usain Bolt declared Monday that "the sports life is over," according to Reuters' Kayon Raynor.

The Jamaican eight-time Olympic gold medalist's pursuit of a soccer career included a trial period with Australian club Central Coast Mariners during the latter half of 2018. However, the two parties couldn't reach a deal, citing the lack of a suitable commercial partner in negotiations.

"I don't want to say it wasn't dealt with properly, but I think we went about it not the way we should (have), and you learn your lesson, you live and you learn," Bolt said. "It was a good experience. I really enjoyed just being in a team ... it was fun while it lasted."

The 32-year-old also received a two-year offer from Maltese outfit Valletta FC in October 2018, though his camp turned it down.

While taking to the pitch may no longer be in Bolt's future, the 100-meter record holder - who retired from track and field in 2017 - hinted he has other commercial ventures in mind.

"I'm just doing many different things ... I'm now moving into different businesses, I have a lot of things in the pipeline, so as I say, I'm just dabbling in everything and trying to be a businessman now," he said.

Aside from his time with Central Coast Mariners, Bolt participated in training stints with Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset, Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, and even appeared in a June 2018 charity match at Old Trafford.

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