Cahill dismisses talk of owning an A-League club

Tim Cahill has ruled out the prospect of becoming the owner of a new A-League club, reiterating his belief that his move to China will be good for football in Australia.

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Tim Cahill (R) greets Football Federation chairman Frank Lowy (L) and chief executive David Gallop (C) at a fan day. (AAP)

Cahill announced last week that he'd signed for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua on a one-year deal reported to be in the vicinity of $10 million and insisted he'll continue to be an inspiration to Australian kids - it's just that it won't be in the A-League.

"Regardless of what anyone thinks of the move, people will read about what I am doing in China," Cahill said.

"I want to do well on the pitch and off the pitch for Australia I will make all the right noises."

Cahill was in Sydney on Monday to announce a link-up between US sports equipment giants New Balance and his football academy which will offer free coaching in 10 destinations across the country.

Several of Cahill's peers, including Brett Emerton, John Aloisi and Lucas Neill, had stints in the A-League before the end of their careers.

But Cahill, 35, claims by playing in China and running his academy he could do more for the game than if he was living and playing in Australia.

"I am very blessed as an athlete to give back to my country and to something that means a lot to me," he said.

"This is up there as one of the proudest days in impacting football in Australia."

"This will have much more of an impact on Australian football than my actions for the Socceroos."

It's been speculated that Cahill will be part of a new A-League club in the South Sydney area but the 36 year-old played down the immediate prospect of it happening.

"I wouldn't rule it out, but if I want to do something in Australian football it's at grass roots level," he said.

"I know (FFA boss) Frank Lowy and (CEO) David Gallop really well ... and I feel moving forward if something was to happen it would be a conversation we would have face to face.

"There will always be an element where people are making me an owner or things like that.

"But I always talk about the impact I can have on Australia off the park."

Cahill claimed last week that there had never been any serious offers from A-League clubs for his services, with clubs believed to have baulked at his financial demands.

But the former Millwall, Everton and New York Red Bulls star said he wasn't bothered by his critics and believes playing in China will only increase Australian football's global presence.

"People will read about what I do in China ... I am an ambassador for football," he said.

"I've been in New York, been in Shanghai and the relationships I will bring to Australia from China will be on a whole new level that people don't understand.

"I just can't wait to go to the airport and meet the fans and my new teammates. I can't wait. I am lucky because I am different.

"I know if I do it on the pitch people have to listen ... it's the fans that make me tick."


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3 min read
Published 9 February 2015 3:49pm
Updated 9 February 2015 3:51pm

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