Central Coast Mariners have confirmed eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt will train with the A-League club for “an indefinite period”.

The world record holder has previously trained with overseas clubs Borussia Dortmund, Mamelodi Sundowns FC and Strømsgodset.

The Mariners said Bolt, 31, would arrive “later this month” with the aim to develop into a professional footballer.

But the deal, negotiated last month, does not guarantee a contract, the club added in a statement.

We’re set to welcome @usainbolt to @CCMariners for an indefinite training period. Let’s hear from the world’s fastest man.

Read more ⚡ https://t.co/kOtlPUPWz8 #CCMFC pic.twitter.com/LsSxYLSbhl

— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) August 7, 2018

Bolt said it had been his “dream” to play football and acknowledged it would require a lot of hard work and training.

“I hope I can make a positive contribution to the club and look forward to meeting the other players, staff and fans in the coming week”

Usain Bolt is on the way to the Central Coast. Photo: ABC News

The club’s chief executive Shaun Mielekamp said having Bolt visit would align with the Mariners’ philosophy of being an innovative, entertaining and community-minded sports brand.

“It is important that we don’t get too caught up in the hype of possibilities, but the reality is that Usain Bolt has placed his faith in the Central Coast Mariners to accelerate his football journey,” he said.

“Whilst we all know this must be tempered with the reality that there is a job to do and hard work ahead, we are committed to building a team that will win matches and instil belief.

“Hopefully Usain can help us on this mission.”

Bolt is a Manchester United fan and he attended the World Cup final in Moscow.

He retired from the track after the world championships in London last year.

During the trial with German giant Dortmund, the head coach Peter Stroget said Bolt had a lot of work to do should he wish to pursue football.

Mielekamp has previously told News Corp that Bolt was a good learner who shows “dramatic improvement” in each training session.

He insisted the stint was no stunt or gimmick.

The Mariners finished at the bottom of the ladder last season and won just four of 27 matches.

They have won the A-League premiership twice in their history.

–ABC