An upset Tim Cahill has announced his surprise axing from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.
The Socceroo star signed a contract extension only three months ago.
“I’m very sorry to announce that I have reached an agreement with Shanghai Shenhua to terminate my contract after being told that I’m not part of the new coach [Gregorio] Manzano’s plans for the 2016 season having only just signed a new contract in November,” he wrote on Instagram.
“This is very sad especially after what I feel I have helped to build in Shanghai Shenhua on and off the park.
“Just thinking about saying goodbye to my teammates and especially the amazing fans is heartbreaking.
“Regardless of whether my contract is being honoured and paid out in full, I would much rather have seen it out and finished what we started.
“I will always think about what could have been for us as a club in 2016. I will be able to share more information in the next 48 hours once the final details have been completed. Next chapter coming very soon!”
Speculation is sure to mount that Cahill, who is still an integral part of the Socceroos’ set-up and is eyeing off a fourth World Cup in 2018, will link with an A-League club.
But the 36-year-old has consistently said he’d be unlikely to play in Australia.
Cahill was to start his second season with Shanghai, having scored 11 goals for the club in 28 appearances.
marron
Guest
Apparently his agent has stated he's staying in china.
Horto Magiko
Roar Rookie
"Monkey. Typewriter. Shakespeare" Hahaha!! Gold! :) fadida wins the internet! But just remember one thing..To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man....
Kaks
Roar Guru
With all due respect, Tim Cahill left Everton for the MLS when he was 33 years of age. He then went to China when he was 35 years of age. James Troisi left Belgium when he was 26 years of age - in the prime of his career - for Saudi Arabia and now China. I can understand Michael Thwaites decision to go to China and in that instance Tim is a bit hypocritical.
Franko
Guest
Yep, Cahill's China move has escaped the scrutiny it perhaps deserved due to the fact he has given so much to our nation. His comments above do smack of a touch of arrogance however. Like Viduka and Schwartzer, we won’t see Timmy coming home as much as we’d all love it. Given the reputation battering that Kewell, Culina and Neill took, you can understand why (well, that and the money)
Mark
Guest
He's right, transfer windows only apply to transfers of registration between clubs. Free agents are not bound by transfer windows because their registration is not being transferred between clubs.
Onside
Guest
Singe(d) by Shanghai Shenhua.
Onside
Guest
FIUL
Guest
ALeague's Transfer Window is shut. So, prima facie, Tim cannot be signed by any Aleague to play this season. But, I'm not sure if the Transfer Window applies to Guest Players
Punter
Guest
Also one of the last countries that will pay him the money he wants, don't forget that, likewise with Troisi.
Kaks
Roar Guru
I understand where Tim is coming from, he means the young players who have their whole career in front of them instead of guys like Tim who were winding down. IMO, Tim going to China where its less physical and taxing on his body is the reason why he has been able to continue his Socceroo career.
Kaks
Roar Guru
I have a feeling that you're right about his next destination, but I still have faith that Timmy may come (even though he has nothing to give back to Australian football, it would be nice for the kids to see their hero). Im sure Gallop et al will be talking to Tim, but I hope they literally throw everything at bringing him home.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Excellent post. You'll be torn apart for it though. Good luck
Ian
Guest
Did you just call Horto a monkey?
Post hoc
Guest
Kevin Airs, Ray Gatt and numerous other football journalists disagree, the fact that he became a free agent after our window closed means he cant come here.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Most likely to end up in the Gulf Leagues.
Qantas & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Agree...!
Qantas & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
SFC...!
marron
Guest
I hope you are right Fadida (well, not that I believe he'll come, but anyway). What I was reading yesterday suggested otherwise.
Fadida
Guest
He's a free agent. Transfer windows don't apply
Fadida
Guest
You're usually wrong Horto, but not this time. Monkey. Typewriter. Shakespeare :)