Tim calls time on a great career
TIM Cahill will not play in the A-League again, but perhaps Australia’s most prolific striker will be back one day as a coach.
Cahill, speaking publicly for the first time since announcing his international retirement, yesterday broke down in tears when thanking his family for their sacrifices throughout a decorated career.
The 38- year- old remains open to offers to continue playing club football but ruled out the prospect of an A- League return, noting “to live in America and try and play in the A- League will be impossible”.
The fact Cahill owns a house in New Jersey, coupled with a desire to spend more time with his family, suggests a move back to Major League Soccer.
Whether any MLS clubs would be interested, given his advancing years and lack of minutes last season, remains to be seen.
Cahill, who scored 50 goals in 107 appearances for Australia, is seemingly preparing for the end of his playing career.
The Socceroos great revealed during a marathon press conference in Sydney that he will soon fly to the UK with a goal to obtain a UEFA B coaching licence, while he spoke at length about his passion for mentoring young footballers.
Cahill has already discussed his next step with the likes of national coach Graham Arnold plus Football Federation Australia ( FFA) heavies David Gallop and Steven Lowy.
“They’ve been so supportive,” Cahill told reporters.
“I’m interested in coaching. I’m going to spend some time in Australia, meet with some partners and try to lay some foundations to do great things for soccer in Australia. That mentoring side, I really enjoy.
“There’s so much amazing talent, especially young talent, in the A- League.”
Cahill, who spent a season and a half with Melbourne City, said he enjoyed his stint in Australia but wanted to “draw a line in the sand that will just stop any whispers” about an A- League return.
“Respectfully, I’d like to thank everyone that’s been talking about me coming home,” he said.
“I’m not connected to any A-League groups or anything whatsoever, but what I am connected to is the FFA and the Socceroos. My support will be there.
“Whatever they need ... commercially, any way possible.
“I can still be an ambassador for the A- League and support the growth of football in Australia.”
Cahill played only sparingly last season during spells with City and English Championship side Millwall, while he was left on the bench for the majority of the Socceroos’ recent World Cup campaign.
The star, likened to Don Bradman and other Australian sporting greats by MC Mark Bosnich yesterday, conceded it was not an easy decision to retire.
“You don’t know when the time is, but mentally and physically it was the perfect decision,” Cahill said.