Tim Cahill’s dream of joining an elite list of players who have appeared at four World Cups is still alive.
The Socceroos star has announced he wants to prolong his international career after signing for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old ended speculation about his future by signing what’s believed to be a one-year deal worth $3 million with the Chinese club.
Cahill played and scored at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups and although he’ll be 38 when the 2018 showpiece kicks off in Russia he has no plans to hang up his international boots if coach Ange Postecoglou still wants him.
“My plans are to support the boss,” Cahill said.
“My vision for the last 14 months has been to be a team player. It’s never been about me.
“The boss knows my plans for the national team and I’m always there for him on and off the park.
“I will always leave that decision to him because he’s definitely someone who’s changed the footprint of football in Australia in my opinion.”
Forty-eight players have played at four World Cups – a list that includes all-time greats such as Pele, Diego Maradona, Paolo Maldini and Bobby Charlton.
Cahill’s former New York teammate Thierry Henry has also reached that milestone and Cahill said the French superstar was among the people he consulted before joining Shanghai.
His former boss at Everton in David Moyes, now coaching at Real Sociedad in Spain also expressed an interest in signing him, while Everton also contacted him about returning.
“I’ve been on the phone to David Moyes, I spoke with Thierry Henry and also the chairman Bill Kenright at Everton and Ange this morning,” Cahill said on Tuesday.
“I’ve made the decision purely because I’ve played in the Premier League and did really well.
“It was a massive compliment to get the phone calls I did last night and to speak to Moyes about possibly going to La Liga.
“I’ve done the Premier League, I’ve done America. New York was amazing for me … (but) China is a growing market in football.”
Cahill enjoyed a wonderful campaign in the Socceroos’ Asian Cup triumph, scoring three goals and again proving himself to be an attacking force as he enters the twilight of his career.
A move to the A-League would raise huge interest in the domestic game and Cahill said there had been contact from Sydney FC CEO Tony Pignata but nothing eventuated from it.
“I respect Australian football so much and a lot of speculation has always thrown my name in,” he said.
“I’ve always asked for a grassroots project but I’ve never had an official offer in the last two months.
“He (Pignata) did reach out after the World Cup but realistic offers, there was nothing.
“To get a move as I have at this age to such a massive club in Shanghai Shenhua, for me it’s a really proud moment.
“Hopefully in the future the Australian league will grow more. I’ll continue to really push the message about my country and how proud I am.”
Source: AAP