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Tim Cahill is officially coming to the A-League – after months of speculation and rumour, Melbourne City have properly announced the signing, on a two-year deal.
However, the deal also contains a third year – not on Melbourne City’s playing list, but as part of its coaching staff.
“I am incredibly excited to have signed with Melbourne City and ultimately the City Football Group. There is real ambition and purpose here, qualities that are immensely important to me,” said Cahill.
“The Club is completely attuned to the opportunity for the game in this country; investing significantly in facilities, the development of young players and in giving back at the grassroots level. For me that makes this the ideal place to be. I am here to contribute as much as I can to both the Club and, where possible, to the further development of football here in Australia.
“My immediate focus is on getting to know my team-mates and our pre-season preparations. I’m excited about the quality of the squad that I am joining and the opportunity to win silverware. I’m looking forward to the challenge of testing and proving myself in this league.”
Melbourne City coach John v’ant Schip said that having Cahill join the team would help City realise some of its goals in the league, and that he expected him to form a good partnership with Burno Fornaroli.
“We have very ambitious targets at Melbourne City; we want to win every time we step on the pitch and in doing so we want to bring success for our fans who have been so loyal to us. Tim is an important part of realizing that ambition. The depth and breadth of his experience will be very important to us on the field and also in the dressing room,” said v’ant Schip.
“He is without doubt one of the most loved sports stars in this country, and I think the fact that he is back in his home country is important to the fans, and is fantastic for us as a Club.
“I see in Cahill and Bruno Fornaroli a beautiful footballing partnership – we are very focused on our pre-season preparations and the time that the team have together now is very important.”
However while it’s a big signing for Melbourne City, it is arguably an even bigger signing for the A-League as a whole, as they have put significant work into getting Australia’s brightest star home.
FFA CEO David Gallop said:
“Tim Cahill is a huge addition to the A-League and to Melbourne City FC. A player with his passion for the game, and the records that he holds for the Socceroos, is going to be a tremendous asset.
“The A-League is the fastest growing league in Australia. With two million people now playing football every year, the future is bright for our sport, and players like Tim Cahill are only going to accelerate that growth.
“He is a fantastic role model for young Australians who aspire to play at the top level.”
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