Tim Cahill (No. 4) scores a goal against China in the AFC Cup Group Stages. (Photo : Reuters)
Another big name in the global football community is heading to China. Australian midfielder Tim Cahill has reportedly traded the Major League Soccer for the Chinese Super League.
The 35-year-old New York Red Bulls midfielder has left his MLS team to become a free agent a year earlier than specified on his contract on Feb. 2. He has scored 14 goals during his two and a half years in New York and was named the Red Bulls' MVP in 2013.
He was also awarded the Supporters' Shield in the same year.
"I've enjoyed every moment of my time at the Red Bulls and leave with great memories," said the Socceroo player. "I joined with the ambition of helping to grow and positively affect soccer in the U.S. and I feel immensely proud of what we achieved as a team during my time in the MLS."
Cahill has also been linked with other teams in the United Arab Emirates, La Liga team Real Sociedad and back with his previous club, Everton. He was also reportedly being eyed by Sydney FC, which was supposed to see his return to the place he was born.
However, none came up with concrete offers and the 35-year-old player decided to move to China.
"I've done the Premier League, I've done America," said Cahill. "New York was amazing for me but China is a growing market in football. I'm at an age where I want to give something back to football and still play at a high level."
The player added: "It's all about doing what I want to do as a footballer and trying different leagues and I think it's exciting."
Cahill believes the move is the right thing to do, with China slowly becoming a "growing market in football," and that joining the club Shanghai Shenhua would offer him a lot of new challenges.
