Tim Cahill departs Melbourne City in search of more minutes ahead of World Cup
Socceroos striker Tim Cahill departs Melbourne City as he searches for more game time ahead of the World Cup.
Socceroos striker Tim Cahill has quit A-League club Melbourne City effective immediately as he searches for more game time ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Cahill and Melbourne City released a joint statement this morning, announcing they’d reached a mutual agreement to release Australia’s all-time leading goal-scorer from the remainder of his contract.
Cahill made six appearances for Melbourne City this season, starting from the bench in all but one of those games. He averaged just 16 minutes on the field, well down on an average of 63 minutes in 22 starts in 2016-17.
The forward, who turned 38 today, made his immediate intentions very clear.
“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,” Cahill said.
“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.
“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.”
City CEO Scott Munn added: “Tim has been part of Melbourne City during a significant period in its history ... We are grateful for his professionalism, leadership and mentorship of the playing group.”
Cahill scored the winner in the 2016 FFA Cup final, handing Melbourne City their first piece of silverware. That strike was one of his 12 goals for the club, including a stunner on debut in the Melbourne derby.
It remains to be seen which club he will sign with next, but a move back abroad is likely.
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