ISL 2018-19: Jamshedpur FC sign Australia's all-time leading scorer Tim Cahill

AUSTRALIAN legend Tim Cahill has a signed a deal to join Jamshedpur FC for the 2018-19 season of the Hero Indian Super League. Given his reputation in England and Australia, Cahill’s arrival will serve as a major boost to the Jamshedpur faithful.

After beginning his career with Milwall in England, the attacker spent six seasons with the club, making more than 200 appearances. His most fruitful spell would later come with Everton in the English Premier League. The 38-year-old was with the club for eight seasons and firmly established himself as one of the finest players in the team. After his spell in England, Cahill represented New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS) for three seasons, before playing for Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League.

On the international stage, Cahill has the distinction of being Australia’s all-time leading goal scorer and the second-most capped player. The veteran has played in four FIFA World Cups for the Socceroos, scoring a total of five goals - the most by any player in Australia. Cahill also scored Australia’s first ever World Cup goal in 2006 at Germany.

Cahill is especially known for his goal-scoring abilities as well as his aerial threat, which he displayed most effectively during his days at Everton and with the Australian national team. Jamshedpur may have finally found the man who could solve their problems in front of the goal. If head coach Cesar Ferrando can keep his star signing fit and firing, Jamshedpur will emerge as strong contenders for the new season. Cahill and co. will begin their 2018-19 Hero ISL campaign with an away fixture against Mumbai City FC on October 2.

In a press release from Jamshedpur FC, the forward spoke of the targets which he has set out to achieve in India with Jamshedpur,

“I’m excited to be part of the Hero ISL and my new team Jamshedpur. It's been an easy process to make this decision because of the club’s professionalism and their goals for what they want to achieve. To be a part of their project is massive for me because I know I can help the team on and off the park with my leadership and experience. I want to help grow the game in India and encourage young kids to play football. The team owners and partners have very strong values for the future of the club and I'm looking forward to helping them achieve all of these goals.”

Jamshedpur FC release