His body might be finally starting to catch up with his age but Tim Cahill says the burning desire that has made him a Socceroos legend has not left him.
Cahill has played just 106 minutes of A-League football over the past five weeks but remains an integral part of Australia’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
The 37-year-old has not started an international for almost a year, having seemingly passed on the mantle of being the country’s top striker to Tomi Juric to become a full-time bench weapon.
He’s been carefully managed by Melbourne City but, with another season left to run on his contract and the Confederations Cup also looming large, he has no intention of slowing down.
“The time comes when you want it to finish,” Cahill told reporters in Tehran ahead of Thursday night’s qualifier against Iraq.
“It has to be a motivational thing – I play because I’m passionate and I love the game.
“My passion outweighs anyone’s, in my opinion.
“I’m still a player that’s running, chasing down defenders – not just going through the motions.
“People say ‘he’s only played a few minutes. What’s he going to do in Socceroos camp?’
“But the week before, I played 120 minutes in an intra-club game – the week before, 60 minutes.
“You know when you don’t want to wake up at seven in the morning, go to training at eight and finish at three when everyone’s going home at one.
“That’s not left me.
“I don’t see myself as a player who wants to finish any time soon, or doesn’t have the appetite.”
Having played 94 times at international level, Cahill can overtake Brett Emerton (95) and equal Lucas Neill (96) as Australia’s second-most capped player if he features against Iraq and then the UAE next week in Sydney.
He is still a way off Mark Schwarzer’s record of 109 caps but is only two strikes away from reaching 50 goals for the Socceroos.
“Everyone loves individual goals but I never set out just to be breaking records for Australia,” he said.
“When I have conversations here, I’m looking for my next best moment in a Socceroos jersey, and I’m looking for my next best moment in a Melbourne City jersey – and I just had it against Newcastle.
“But that’s not over, because I’m looking for more moments like that. I’m working harder now as I get older to do all that.”
sei
Guest
Tim Cahill is the best finisher Australia has ever had and he is still important for the Socceroos, because they are lacking in this department - finishing.
punter
Guest
JB, you aint getting no argument from me on that observation. I'm a big fan of Mr Cahill & his influence in the Socceroos squad & his influence on football in this country, he has done everything right & as been nothing but a great ambassador for the game in this country, for some reason (some say he is driven by money) there are others who think otherwise, but not me, big fan, even if I do boo him when he plays against Sydney FC.
j binnie
Guest
Punter - Despite his lack of game time in local football and his impending "age barrier" (remember one called Stanley Matthews) Cahills presence in this squad should not be measured by what he may or may not achieve on the field, but should be recognised for his presence and example ,not only to his own fellow players,but to the effect he may have on opponents ,well aware of his inherent talents. Cheers jb.
punter
Guest
My apologises, end after the World cup or after the World cup campaign. I'm quietly confident we will make it.
Chris
Guest
Yes very true...IF we make it. But then again every other team is thinking the same thing. Noone is assured a spot yet.
Fadida
Guest
And if we make it....
punter
Guest
Cahill still has something to give as an impact player for the Socceroos. A Legend, our greatest Socceroo, sad to see it coming to an end after the World cup, if he makes it.