Tim Cahill announces retirement from international duty after frustrating World Cup
Veteran made a brief cameo in Russia as the Aussies failed to get past the group stage
TIM CAHILL has retired from international football.
Australia’s all-time leading goal scorer called it a day after appearing in a fourth straight World Cup for the Socceroos in Russia.
Cahill came off the bench against Peru, but his cameo in a 2-0 defeat was his final minutes in the green and gold.
The 38-year-old won 107 caps for the Socceroos and scored 50 goals, he made history by scoring the Aussies first ever World Cup goal in 2006 against Japan.
He said on Instagram: “Today’s the day that I’m officially hanging up my boots on my international career with the Socceroos.
“No words can describe what it has meant to represent my country.
"It took a while to play my first game for Australia, and I promised myself then that I would never miss a beat and would make the most of every opportunity I was given to wear the badge and jersey.
“Massive thank you to everyone for the support throughout all my years wearing the Australian badge.
Football Federation of Australia Chairman Steven praised Cahill’s huge contribution to football down under.
He said:“Tim Cahill is a football great in Australia.
“As a player and as a person he has had an enormous impact on the game.
“Tim’s performances on and off the pitch and his feats at FIFA World Cups and AFC Asian Cups have inspired millions across the globe.
“But it is in Australia, where Tim is a household name, that his influence is most profound.
“He has our very best wishes for whatever new challenges he takes on. We hope to continue to work with Tim to promote football in Australia.”
Cahill is yet to decide whether to continue his club career after a short spell back at Millwall last season.