- Sponsored -
Australia’s all-time record goalscorer Tim Cahill is one of the biggest names who would participating in this year Indian Super League and the 38-year old feels that he can contribute more than being just a marquee signing.
- Sponsored -
“With three Asian Cup and four World Cup appearances, I would like to contribute on the park as much as off it,” the veteran footballer, in his interaction with reporters at the ISL Media Day, said.
“I take great pride in playing and training. I would look to add more value than just be a marquee signing,” he added further.
Jamshedpur FC was one of the clubs to have made their debut in the ISL last season and had ended their campaign at the fifth position, which is quite impressive for a newcomer.
It was the professionalism and the club structure that attracted the veteran World Cupper to Jamshedpur as Cahill himself revealed that they didn’t have any distractions 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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
Cahill, who announced his international retirement after this year’s World Cup in Russia further spoke about the warm reception they received when they reached Jamshedpur.
“When I got to Jamshedpur, the first thing noticed was it’s green, there’s not much of traffic and loads of fans — beautiful people, football and family. We are together 24×7 in the academy. This the environment I want to be in, this is professional football,” the former Aussie striker added.
“We are trying to be pioneers and be an example. We are focused in making a good structure something that the fans can be proud of. We want to make sure to tell the right story to the fans. It’s on TV everywhere, it’s global like cricket, like anything.”
Nonetheless, a six-month season of 18 matches isn’t too big for Cahill who is used to playing 30-40 matches in a year.
When asked whether age would be a factor for him, the 38-year old 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.”
Also read: Premier League: Mahrez brace sets up Manchester City’s dominating win over Cardiff City
- Sponsored -
