Bolt turns down offer to get his kicks in Malta

SYDNEY - Sprint superstar Usain Bolt has turned down a contract from Maltese champion Valletta and will remain in Australia to pursue his dream of becoming a professional soccer player, his agent said on Thursday.

The eight-time Olympic champion has been on trial with A-League club the Central Coast Mariners since arriving Down Under in August.

He scored two goals in a preseason friendly last Friday but is yet to be offered a deal, with cashed-up Valletta dangling a two-year trial-free contract to entice him away earlier this week.