Cahill: 'I'm going to pay tribute to the people that have made my career really special'
November’s clash with Lebanon marks the epilogue of Tim Cahill’s Caltex Socceroos story.
An international career that began in London fourteen years ago and concluded in Russia last June will be revived one last time in Sydney.
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Australian football fans will converge on ANZ Stadium to get one last glimpse at Cahill in the green and gold jersey, and celebrate the incredible legacy he has left on Australian sport.
But for the man of the hour, the occasion is about giving back to those who have been with him on every step of his incredible international career.
“I’m just going to say thank you and enjoy the moment, and go along for the ride and make sure that I get to see as many fans and pay tribute to the people that have made my career really special,” Cahill told www.socceroos.com.au.
“I can’t thank the FFA, Arnie and the team and Australia for giving me this moment because I didn’t expect it and I’m just going to be a fan at the same time – that I can look back on all the great things and play in front of my country and walk out on the pitch for one last time.”
A night dedicated to saying goodbye to one of Australian’s favourite sons will also be an important chance to lay down a marker for the future.
It was something that the 38-year-old never envisaged.
“I wasn’t expecting it, I have to be honest,” Cahill said.
“When I had the call from Arnie after I retired and the FFA and they said to me, look, we want to do something and I was like, well whatever you want.
“I said just focus on preparing for the [AFC] Asian Cup, don’t focus on me.
“I know how important this is for our country to defend that and I also respected the fact that I’d finished.
“So I said whatever you guys need – if you want me to stand on the sideline, sit in the crowd it’ll be honour and if I get on the pitch it’ll be an honour and if I don’t it’ll be an honour.”
