Former CSL striker Tim Cahill retires from Australia team

World
Europe

Australia's all-time leading goal-scorer Tim Cahill retired from international football onTuesday, ending an illustrious career that has taken him to four World Cups.

The 38-year-old player, who scored 50 international goals in 107 appearances, confirmed on social media his appearance off the bench against Peru at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia was his final for his country.

Screenshot from Tim Cahill's Twitter account.

"Today’s the day that I’m officially hanging up my boots on my international career with the Socceroos," Cahill wrote.

"No words can describe what it has meant to represent my country. Massive thank you to everyone for the support throughout all my years wearing the Australian badge."

Australia posts a picture with a tag "ThanksTim" on their Twitter account @Socceroos.

Cahill made his debut for Australia back in March 2004, in a 1-0 friendly win over South Africa in London.

He made his competitive debut shortly after in the 2004 Oceania Nations Cup, scoring six goals in the competition which pit Australia against Uruguay for a spot at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

In 2007, he also became the first Australian to score at an Asian Cup, and he helped the Socceroos win the Asian title for the first time in 2015.

Cahill, known for his prodigious leap and trademark goal celebration, when he uses the corner flag as a punching bag, also played for Everton in the Premier League and China's Shanghai Shenhua and Hangzhou Greentown.

(With input from agencies)