The 38-year-old Australian record goalscorer 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,” said Cahill.

Having debuted last season as part of ISL’s expansion to 10 teams, Jamshedpur finished a creditable fifth in its 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, 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 it ticks all the boxes. “The professionalism, the setup of the academy, the training ground and the future of the club really impressed me. Here, we have no distraction. 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 and making them represent the country is our goal.” 

Cahill received a warm welcome in Jamshedpur by the city fans. “When I got to Jamshedpur, the first thing I noticed was it’s green, there’s not much of traffic and loads of fans -- beautiful people, football and family. We are together 24x7 in the academy. This the environment I want to be in, this is professional football,” he said.