The playing career of Tim Cahill has come to an end with the Socceroos legend announcing he has retired.
Australia’s all-time leading goalscorer quit international duty last November but continued playing in the Indian Super League with Jamshedpur, scoring twice in 11 games in his lone campaign.
The off-contract star has elected not to chase a new deal as he intends to dedicate his future to coaching and other interests.
“No, I’m an old man now in football years,” Cahill told Optus Sport when asked if he would play on.
“I’d love to keep playing, you know 39, had a great stint for six months in India.
“But I’m interested in TV, going to start my A Licence and spend quality time with my family and chill out for a bit.”
At club level, Cahill made his name at Millwall and Everton in the UK as a box-to-box goalscoring midfielder before spells in the MLS with New York Red Bulls, China for Shanghai Shenhua and Zhejiang Greentown and in the A-League with Melbourne City.
“It was amazing to play in four big continents. I had a great career and I’m really thankful,” Cahill said.
“I’m someone that massively respects the game and I’ll take my time to learn more.
“Coaching is something that’s definitely going to be on the horizon.”
Cahill scored 50 goals for the Socceroos in 108 internationals, was the first World Cup scorer for his country, scored goals in three World Cups and his five goals are the most by an Australian at the global showpiece.
© AAP
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
The Matilda scored the first two of her team's goals in the 4-0 win.
With the Liverpool manager leaving the club after this season, his West Ham rival can't wait for him to go - in the nicest…
Arsenal have survived a late scare at Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham to stay narrowly ahead in the compelling race for the Premier League title. A…
At the time this column usually goes live next Monday morning, I’ll be in the stands at Selhurst Park watching Crystal Palace take on…
And just like that, another A-League regular season (sans one game) is in the books and we look ahead to the finals. Let's recap…
Salah was dropped from the starting side for the visit to London - and the striker was involved in a furious confrontation with Klopp…
