Cahill bullish on Shanghai Shenhua

Aussie sniper excited to showcase skills in China Super League

Australia's leading scorer Tim Cahill joined China Super League's Shanghai Shenhua on Tuesday after the New York Red Bulls announced he had left the Major League Soccer club by mutual consent.

The 35-year-old Socceroos star, who notched three goals in Australia's triumphant run to the Asian Cup title last week, said he was attracted by the scale of the potential soccer market in China.

"I've done the Premier League, I've done America. New York was amazing for me ... but China is a growing market," Cahill said.

"You see in the (Asian Cup quarterfinal) game that we played against China, millions of people watched it. And I'm someone who is embracing culture and a different aspect of life.

"I'm at an age where I want to give something back to football and still play at a high level.

"To still be in demand and have the offers I've had is special, but this will be massive for me as a player on and off the pitch."

The attacking midfielder, who played for English Premier League side Everton before a multi-million-dollar move to Major League Soccer in the US, said he had had a string of offers.

"I've been on the phone to (former Everton manager and Real Sociedad boss) David Moyes, I spoke with (former Arsenal and New York star) Thierry Henry and also the chairman Bill Kenright at Everton and (Socceroos coach) Ange (Postecoglou) this morning," said Cahill.

"I've made the decision purely because I've played in the Premier League and did really well and it was a massive compliment to get the phone calls I did."

Cahill said he would decide in coming days whether he would sign a one-or two-year contract with Shanghai, adding he would continue his international career for as long as coach Postecoglou wanted him.

Cahill scored 14 goals in two-and-a-half seasons after joining the Red Bulls in July 2012 and netted twice for Australia in last year's World Cup in Brazil.

The Red Bulls won the 2013 MLS regular season crown and the Australian was named to the league's Best 11 and All-Star teams.

Cahill parted ways amicably with the MLS club.

"After much deliberation, we have agreed that this decision is best for all involved," Red Bulls sporting director Ali Curtis said.

"We thank Tim for his service to the organization. He positively impacted the growth of the beautiful game in the United States and for the Red Bulls."

Cahill, who follows in the footsteps of Didier Drogba and Nicholas Anelka at Shanghai, joined Millwall in London as a trainee in 1998 and soon caught the eye for his stamina-busting performances.

He moved to Everton in 2004 and tallied 56 goals over eight EPL seasons.

Australia's Tim Cahill celebrates with his son Cruz after beating South Korea in the AFC Asian Cup final at Stadium Australia in Sydney last week. The midfielder joined Shanghai Shenhua on Tuesday after the New York Red Bulls announced he had left the Major League Soccer club by mutual consent. Saeed Khan / AFP

(China Daily 02/04/2015 page20)