In what could be termed as the signing of the season for upcoming Indian Super League 2018-19, Jamshedpur FC has roped in legendary Australian footballer Tim Cahill. The 38-year old penned the marquee deal with Jamshedpur FC for the ISL 5, which means his wages do not come under the established salary cap.
Tim Cahill usually plays as forward or attacking midfielder and last played for English Championship club Millwall. He announced retirement from his international football career earlier this year. Cahill represented Australia in four FIFA world cup, the last one being in Russia.
Known for his stint at Everton from 2004 to 2012, Cahill had also played for New York Red Bulls (USA), Shanghai Shenhua (China), Zhejiang Greentown (China), Melbourne City (Australia) and Millwall (England) in his career. Cahill will soon join Jamshedpur FC for pre-season in Spain.
"I know I can help the team on and off the park with my leadership and experience. I want to help grow the game and encourage young kids to play football. I'm looking forward to beginning this next adventure, meeting my teammates at training camp in Madrid," Cahill tweeted after penning the deal.
I know I can help the team on and off the park with my leadership and experience. I want to help grow the game and encourage young kids to play
— TIM CAHILL (@Tim_Cahill) September 1, 2018
football.
I'm looking forward to beginning this next adventure, meeting my teammates at training camp in Madrid.#WeAreJamshedpurFC pic.twitter.com/7un1CChgl7
With the arrival of Cahill, Jamshedpur FC has completed the quota of seven foreign players. The Tata Group-owned club which made Indian Super League debut last year retained defensive midfielders Wellington Priori and Memo along with defender Tiri.
The other three new recruits are Spaniards -- Pablo Morgado Blanco, Sergio Cidoncha and Carlos Calvo. Jamshedpur FC has also brought in Cesar Ferrando as head coach in place of Steve Coppel who switched to ATK.
Cahill will team up with Pablo Morgado, Farukh Choudhary, Sumeet Passi and Aniket Jadhav in Jamshedpur FC's attacking department. The club under Coppel focussed on a defensive play last year and scored the least number of goals. The new team set up looks balanced and is expected to play all-around football in 2018-19 season.
? ANNOUNCEMENT ALERT! ?
— Jamshedpur FC (@JamshedpurFC) September 1, 2018
The biggest signing of the #HeroISL 2018-19 season is here! ?
Ladies and gentleman, presenting our latest recruit, a footballing legend - @Tim_Cahill! ??#JamKeKhelo #CahillIndia pic.twitter.com/RA9WQpsmRX