Australia's Central Coast Mariners have announced that sprint legend Usain Bolt will join the club for an "indefinite training period".

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist is eager to forge a career as a professional footballer following his retirement from athletics.

Bolt, 31, has already trained with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, South African club Mamelodi Sundowns and Norway's Stromsgodset.

"I am very excited about coming to Australia," the Jamaican is quoted by BBC Sport as saying.

"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.

"I always say that 'anything is possible, don't think limits' and I look forward to the challenge. 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 weeks."

Bolt, the 100m and 200m world record holder, will not be guaranteed a professional contract at the club.