Ex-Premier League star leaving China just months after signing extension

Posted by

Though the Chinese Super League has been in the news frequently for poaching prized talents from Europe and the Americas, at least one former Premier League star – ex-Everton forward/winger Tim Cahill –  appears to have had enough of the liberally-spending league.

Cahill announced on Instagram that he has agreed to end his contract with with Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua effective immediately after being told by manager Gregorio Manzano that he would not be a part of the club’s plans in the 2016 season. The announcement comes just three months after he received a contract extension with the Chinese club.

His statement was as follows:

I’m very sorry to announce that I have reached an agreement with Shanghai Shenhua to terminate my contract after being told that I’m not part of the new coach Manzano’s plans for the 2016 season having only just signed a new contract in November.
This is very sad especially after what I feel I have helped to build in Shanghai Shenhua on and off the park. Just thinking about saying goodbye to my team-mates and especially the amazing fans is heartbreaking.
Regardless of whether my contract is being honored and paid out in full, I would much rather have seen it out and finished what we started. I will always think about what could have been for us as a club in 2016.  I will be able to share more information in the next 48 hours once the final details have been completed. Next chapter coming very soon!
I would like to thank the amazing Shenhua supporters, the Chinese staff members and all my teammates for your amazing support; you will all be remembered by my family and myself. I would also like to thank my Chinese partner SECA for their continued support in my career.

Cahill played for Everton from 2004 to 2012, making over 250 appearances for the Toffees. He later joined the New York Red Bulls in MLS, winning the Supporters’ Shield with the club before signing a big money deal with Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua in early 2015.

The Australian striker scored 11 goals in his lone season with Shanghai Shenhua.

One of the most decorated Australian footballers in the world, Cahill has been a starter for Australia since 2004 and has been capped 88 times, scoring 45 goals including three in the FIFA World Cup.

SEE MORE:
Video: Football players read Mean Tweets about their ugly new kit
£34.5m Brazilian tax debt costs Neymar a yacht, jet, property and several businesses
Chelsea manager to give youngsters a chance if season falls apart this week

More Stories tim cahill