Australia

Tim Cahill leaves Melbourne City to maintain World Cup chances

Melbourne City have mutually agreed to terminate Tim Cahill’s three-year contract early as he chases more game time ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

The Australia’s all-time leading goalscorer, leaves the club on his 38th birthday, in the middle of ongoing A-League campaign this season.

His next potential destination remains unknown, but the former Everton star is hoping to secure playing time at another club as soon as possible.

Cahill just started in one match for Melbourne City this season and he has been used sparingly by coach Warren Joyce.

“It’s never easy to say goodbye but it was great to win last weekend and make a contribution, and also to have the club sitting third in the league,” Cahill said in a club statement.

“Qualifying for the World Cup has been a great adventure, and it would be a massive honour to represent my country in Russia. That will be my focus in the coming months.”

Cahill, who has scored 50 goals in 104 appearances for the national side, could become the fourth player to score at four World Cup finals, after goals at Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014.