Australian international Tim Cahill, has decided that his time with the New York Red Bulls has come to an end. The midfielder, who arrived to the Major League Soccer in July 2012, will now play with Shanghai Shenhua of the Chinese Super League.
It was through the Red Bulls Twitter account that the decision was announced. On Monday night, Cahill tweeted a short farewell message for the club and his fans.
Thank you @NewYorkRedBulls @MLS for being a great club and league. All the fans have been amazing and proud to have shared priceless moments
— Tim Cahill (@Tim_Cahill) febrero 3, 2015
He arrived in New York after spending eight years with English side Everton. There, he tallied 56 goals in 226 league games. With his most recent team, the Aussie scored 14 times in 62 games, but only twice during the past season.
Among the reasons that seem to have voided the last year of his contract were, lack of scoring, losing a spot in the starting roster and the franchise betting on younger players. In the end, it was announced as a decision reached by mutual consent.
Making the move to China will also bring him closer to home. That should allow him to see more action with his national team. He has 39 goals in 82 appearances with the Socceroos. Cahill was considered a key factor for Australia to win the Asian Cup at home this past Saturday.
Tim Cahill helped Australia win its first Asian Cup title against South Korea (2-1) in Sydney
Shenhua will be the fourth professional club in Cahill’s career. After his market value peaked with Everton in 2010 (£14.1m), his move to China is valued at £2million for one year.
“I’ll make an impact in China, I promise you, on the pitch,” the 35-year-old player said about his move to the land of the Red Dragon.
Before his departure, Red Bulls sporting director Ali Curtis, had a few words for the Aussie player regarding his performance with the club. He emphasized it was not an easy decision to let him go.
“We thank Tim for this service to the organization. He positively impacted the growth of the beautiful game in the United States, MLS, and for the Red Bulls,” Curtis said.
Cahill was welcomed to his new team via their website
