Cahill lands in China

Tim Cahill has landed in China to huge fanfare with the Socceroos striker swamped by hundreds of supporters on his arrival at Pudong Airport overnight.

ARTICLE: Cahill joins Shanghai Shenhua

The 35-year-old is set to begin the next exciting chapter in a club career that has seen him star in England and the US when he links with his new club Shanghai Shenhua.

The packed airport was a sea of blue as fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their new striker, Cahill's bicycle-kick exploits which helped dump China out of last month's Asian Cup seemingly forgiven.

Cahill signed with the Chinese Super League club in the wake of the Socceroos' Cup triumph after reportedly fielding offers from England, Asia, the Middle East and Spain.

The Socceroos' all-time leading scorer revealed he consulted national boss Ange Postecoglou, former manager David Moyes and New York Red Bulls teammate Thierry Henry before making his decision.

Shanghai is Cahill's fourth club, having started his career at Millwall in 1998 before signing with Everton in 2004, earning iconic status at both clubs.

VIDEO: Cahill joins Shanghai Shenhua

The talisman joined New York Red Bulls in 2012, scoring 14 goals in his two-and-half seasons in the MLS and claimed the club's MVP award in 2013.

The 83-capped Socceroo netted three times at the Asian Cup including a spectacular brace against China in the quarter-finals.

He will no doubt be keen to add to his 40 goal international tally when the Socceroos play world champions Germany in a friendly next month.

Tim Cahill's club career

Millwall ('97-'04): 56 goals in 249 matches

Everton ('04-'12): 68 goals in 278 matches

New York ('12-'15): 16 goals in 72 matches

Overall: 140 goals in 599 matches