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Tim Cahill hates the public scrutiny and media attention that come with being arguably Australia’s biggest global sporting star.
But the Socceroos’ and Everton goal-poaching midfielder acknowledges that is the baggage that comes with having the talent, extreme wealth and jet-setting lifestyle that most Australians only dream of.
After a week when his off-field behaviour has vied for air time with his match-winning goal double at the MCG, the 29-year-old midfielder accepts that he can not expect the spotlight to switch off when he leaves the pitch.
The dark side of fame was rammed home to Cahill when accusations he was ejected from a Sydney nightspot last Thursday became front page news.
His anger was reflected in his behaviour after he led Australia to a comeback 2-1 win over Japan at the MCG on Wednesday night.
Cahill brushed aside questions about his performance in an on-pitch interview, before refusing to even acknowledge journalists waiting in a designated interview zone outside the team changerooms.
But he was out to smooth the waters as he signed autographs and posed for photos with fans, then fronted journalists in an appearance for sponsor adidas on Thursday.
Saying “this is the sort of stuff the Australian public love to see”, he acknowledged his status as an “ambassador” and “example” carried a broader duty to the sport and his many fans.
“It’s really tough and you have to deal with it,” Cahill said of the attention.
“Regardless of what you do as a footballer, I know that constantly people are watching you and trying to pick holes and look for things.
“But that’s reality and the best thing is as long as you come out the other end and try your hardest and do the right thing that’s all that matters.”
In an earlier interview on the Nine Network’s Today show, Cahill accused journalists of chasing “things that aren’t there”.
But he told reporters the reason he did not like talking to them was “because I hate talking about myself”.
“When you talk about yourself you pump yourself up and basically people get sick of it,” he said.
“I (only) do it so I can get the message across to the fans to say thank you.”
Cahill said his heart-shaped hand gesture after his brilliant headed goal levelled the scores against Japan was a symbol of appreciation to the 69,238-strong crowd.
But he said his later snubbing of the media was not meant as a slight.
“You just need a rest and you’re drained and you need to relax and you need to spend time with your family,” he said.
“There’s only so much talking you can do.
“I do my football on the pitch and hopefully you guys (in the media) understand that we’ve qualified for the World Cup. I understand you’ve got to do your job as well.”
Cahill lauded coach Pim Verbeek for carefully handling players to help them cope with the toll of a hectic schedule of club and country commitments and associated travel.
Captain Lucas Neill also praised Verbeek, saying the Socceroos’ comeback on Wednesday night was partly inspired by a desire to shut up critics of the coach’s cautious approach during qualification.
“We can take criticism, we can handle that,” Neill said.
“We were more worried that someone had actually gone out and attacked what we feel is one of our family members.
“The best thing you can do is turn around and put in good performances like we did last night and show strength in depth and strength of character.
“Last night put a big smile on Pim’s face and on the team and gave him a great sign-off, a perfect way to end the campaign.”
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