How’s this for a Deadline Day twist: Australian legend Tim Cahill is now a free agent after reaching an agreement with New York Red Bulls to end his contract.
Reports in China claim Cahill, 35, is set for a deal with Shanghai Shenhua, the former home of Didier Drogba and a much closer spot to his home base of New South Wales.
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Cahill struggled last season in MLS after an 11-goal campaign in 2013, but he authored two of the most memorable international goals of the past six months with his stunning strike in the World Cup and an overhead goal last week in the Asian Cup, which Australia went on to win.
Here’s part of the statement on the Red Bulls site:“This decision was not made lightly, and it is the result of many conversations between our staff, Tim, and his agent,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Ali Curtis. “After much deliberation, we have agreed that this decision is best for all involved. We thank Tim for his service to the organization. He positively impacted the growth of the beautiful game in the United States, MLS and for the Red Bulls. We are pleased that Tim will continue to be an ambassador for Red Bull moving forward.”
“I’ve enjoyed every moment of my time at the Red Bulls and leave with great memories,” said Cahill. “I joined with the ambition of helping to grow and positively affect soccer in the US and I feel immensely proud of what we achieved as a team during my time in the MLS. Winning the Supporter’s Shield, was without doubt, one of the best moments I have experienced in my career and I am now looking forward to my next chapter, of which I will announce in due course.”
Curtis has certainly authored a drastic change in his short time in New York. Already without Thierry Henry, Curtis has now sent Mike Petke, Cahill, Eric Alexander and Ambroise Oyongo packing (amongst others), bringing in Sacha Kljestan and Felipe Martins. What’s next for New York?