The Toffees legend spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview about the Game4Hope, his legacy at the club and offers his verdict on the current Everton side
Tim Cahill spoke to the ECHO ahead of the Game4Hope
Tim Cahill spoke to the ECHO ahead of the Game4Hope(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
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Tim Cahill was proud to return to the pitch where he made himself an Everton legend today (September 26). The retired midfielder captained Team Merseyside in the inaugural Game4Hope match at Goodison Park.
Cahill was joined in a star-studded team that included familiar faces from his time in blue such as Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott. There were also famous faces such as actor James Nelson-Joyce and social media personality, StillRyan. The team were taking on a Rest of the World XI that included global icons of the game Rivaldo and Clarence Seedorf.
Team Merseyside emerged triumphant with a 3-2 victory courtesy of a late Leighton Baines winner. But it was a game that was more about the cause as the contest was in aid of Everton in the Community and homelessness charity, Shelter.
Cahill was privileged to return to such a meaningful location for an importance cause as he told the ECHO: "It's always good when you can come back to this city to do something special with them When I got the call to play in this game, it was not obligation and it's something I take great pride in representing the city of Liverpool."
Cahill is from Australia but his all-action style endeared himself to the Everton faithful in his eight years here. He is grateful for the connection he formed with Toffees, as he said: "I carry Everton with me my whole career. When I left and still now.
"As someone that has made a great career from this football club, but without [the fans], it would have been a lot different. I'm very grateful. They know what the club means to me. I don't need to tell them, but I always appreciate the support."
Tim Cahill contesting for headers once again at Goodison Park
Tim Cahill contesting for headers once again at Goodison Park(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
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On why he is was able to build such a strong bond, Cahill sees parts of the Liverpool identity in himself. He said: "For us, it's just being together, standing together, being loyal. It's not just winning. It's being there when the chips are down.
"It's such a great city with two great football clubs. A working class community who are appreciative of the badge. When you understand that and you get to learn more about it from ex club legends and be someone who can also mentor other players, it carries you through for the rest of your life.
"That's one thing I've always had is an appreciation of families, of Evertonians and the city. To be able to put the jersey on is something I never took for granted."
Cahill also issued his verdict on the Blues' current fortunes. Everton have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season and Cahill was full of praise for his former boss, David Moyes, as he said: "David Moyes is one of the top managers in the Premier League and over the years he's shown why he is one of the top managers in the Premier League.
"He knows the club, the players, he can build a great club. He understands the club and that's something I really like about him. It's a small squad, but there's a lot of quality.
"To be undefeated and to start the way we have it's exceptional. If we can continue like this, let's see where we end up. It's not something we want to put expectations on and thinking too far ahead of it."
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