The 35-year-old is set to begin the next exciting chapter in a club career that has seen him star in England and the US when he links with his new club Shanghai Shenhua.
The packed airport was a sea of blue as fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their new striker, Cahill's bicycle-kick exploits which helped dump China out of last month's Asian Cup seemingly forgiven.
Shanghai Shenhua Welcome pic.twitter.com/Ka4d7vlvvm
— Tim Cahill (@Tim_Cahill) February 20, 2015Cahill signed with the Chinese Super League club in the wake of the Socceroos' Cup triumph after reportedly fielding offers from England, Asia, the Middle East and Spain.
The Socceroos' all-time leading scorer revealed he consulted national boss Ange Postecoglou, former manager David Moyes and New York Red Bulls teammate Thierry Henry before making his decision.
Shanghai is Cahill's fourth club, having started his career at Millwall in 1998 before signing with Everton in 2004, earning iconic status at both clubs.
Massive Thank to the Shanghai Shenhua Fans this is something I will never forget. My new home @TC4Academy pic.twitter.com/mVMeqyj8Gw
— Tim Cahill (@Tim_Cahill) February 20, 2015The 83-capped Socceroo netted three times at the Asian Cup including a spectacular brace against China in the quarter-finals.
He will no doubt be keen to add to his 40 goal international tally when the Socceroos play world champions Germany in a friendly next month.
Tim Cahill's club career
Millwall ('97-'04): 56 goals in 249 matches
Everton ('04-'12): 68 goals in 278 matches
New York ('12-'15): 16 goals in 72 matches
Overall: 140 goals in 599 matches