Tim Cahill is looking forward to a new challenge in China, despite revealing he was in contact with both Everton chairman Bill Kenwright and ex-manager David Moyes on deadline day.
MLS outfit the New York Red Bulls announced on Monday the former Everton stalwart was leaving them by mutual consent, which started feverish speculation he could complete a surprise return to Merseyside.
Cahill, who left Goodison Park in 2012 after making 255 appearances and scoring 68 goals in eight years for the Toffees, revealed there was contact between himself and Kenwright before he decided to join Shanghai Shenhua.
The 35-year-old, who also confirmed he spoke to former Everton boss Moyes about a possible switch to Real Sociedad, told Foxsports: "I'm proud to announce my next move will be to China to Shanghai Shenhua.
"Basically I spent most of the morning on the phone to the boys. I spoke to (former NY team-mate) Thierry Henry via text and Bill Kenwright at Everton and Ange Postecoglou. Spoke to Moyes about possibly going to La Liga.
"'Cause I've done the Premier League, 'cause I've done America .... China is a growing market for football. I'm at an age when I want to give back to football and still play at a high level."
Cahill gave a timely reminder of his talents with a fine overhead kick goal for Australia in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup last week, adding to the recent memory of his spectacular volley against Holland at the World Cup.
And the former Millwall man, who helped Australia win the Asian Cup for the first time over the weekend, clearly feels he still has plenty to offer.
"I've taken a lot of good advice ... I think it's exciting to still be in demand," he added.
Source: PA
