The absolute boy Tim Cahill has announced his departure from club Melbourne City effective immediately, leaving the club 9 weeks into the current A-League season.
Cahill’s exit from City has long been suspected ever since the Socceroos managed to scrape past Honduras and qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with the veteran of 100 national caps keen to seek adequate game time in order to prepare for a tilt at a potential fourth World Cup appearance, which would put Cahill in rare company alongside the likes of Diego Maradona, Bobby Charlton, and Pelé.
Cahill has been used relatively sparingly throughout his 6 appearances with City thus far this season, being used a substitute in 5 of those games for a total of just 94 game minutes.
In need of game time to prepare his body for the rigours of a World Cup, the 38-year-old Cahill will now seek a new deal with another club that will give him the game-time he desires, though where in the world that club will be is still the subject of pure speculation.
In a statement posted to City’s website, Cahill thanked the club, noting that playing senior domestic league football in Australia was a big career goal of his and one that he is glad to have ticked off.
Playing in the domestic league in Australia was always an important career goal for me, and my experience here has been fulfilling from start to finish. The welcome from fans, the quality of the facilities and the ever-increasing quality of football continues to be a source of immense pride.
“I want to thank Melbourne City, the players and the staff, and especially the fans. It was amazing to help bring the first piece of silverware to this Club, and this makes me very proud. My experience here has been great and I have enjoyed contributing to the culture inside the Club, being asked to take on a leadership role and, most importantly, being able to mentor a lot of the younger players – something I will continue to do in the future. I wish the Club, Head Coach, players and all the fans all the very best for the rest of the season. It’s never easy to say goodbye but it was great to win last weekend and make a contribution, and also to have the Club sitting third in the league.
Qualifying for the World Cup has been a great adventure, and it would be a massive honour to represent my country in Russia. That will be my focus in the coming months.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Russia on the 14th of June, 2018.
City, who currently sit third on the A-League tabled with 5 wins, 3 losses, and a draw, are set to face the Central Coast Mariners this coming Sunday night.
