Australia's Tim Cahill gestures after scoring a goal against Oman during their World Cup qualifier football match in Sydney on March 26, 2013. IMAGE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE AFP PHOTO / Greg WOOD (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images) AGENCIES
Kolkata : Australian football legend Tim Cahill, who is one of the high profile recruits for the next edition of Indian Super League, said he would look to be more than just a marquee signing for Jamshedpur FC.
The 38-year-old Australian record goalscorer has announced his international retirement after playing in Russia World Cup this year but is not ready to hang up his boots completely just yet.
With three Asian Cup and four World Cup appearances, I would like to contribute on the park as much as off it,” Cahill, who scored 50 goals for Australia in a career spanning 14 years, told reporters Saturday, on the sidelines of ISL Media Day.
Having debuted last season as part of ISL’s expansion to 10 teams, Jamshedpur finished a creditable fifth in their maiden campaign.
“I take great pride in playing and training. I would look to add more value than just be a marquee signing.”
Asked whether his age will come in his way with the long ISL season stretching from September 29 to March next year, the former Everton legend said: “It’s only 18 matches per season with good number of breaks in between.”
“I’m used to playing 30-40 matches per season. It’s not long for me, it’s very short I would say. I would give my best.”
Cahill was all praise for Jamshedpur FC and said they tick all the boxes as far as structure and professional goes, something that made him join the club.
“The professionalism, the set up the academy, the training ground and the future of the club really impressed me. Here at Jamshedpur FC, we have no distraction as players.
“We have our complex, training pitch, gym and an upcoming swimming pool. It’s the perfect vision to help Indian football grow, something that excited me.”
“The personal goal is to improve my team and see the right results. We have a great blend of foreign and Indian players including three from the (Tata Football) Academy that speaks volumes of our team building. Taking the talent making them represent the country is our goal.”