Tim Cahill Departs Shanghai Shenhua On Bitter Note

By Ned Kelly, February 16, 2016

Tim Cahill has announced his departure from Chinese Super League Club Shanghai Shenhua somewhat acrimoniously after having his contract terminated. The Australian striker took to his Instagram account to reveal he had been informed that he was not part of new coach Gregorio Manzano's plans for the 2016 season, despite having signed a new contract in November.

Cahill joined the club from the New York Red Bulls a year ago in February 2015, just three days after winning the AFC Asian Cup with Australia. Spaniard Manzano joined Shenhua from rivals Beijing Guoan in December, and seems to have decided the 36-year-old's 11 goals in 28 games for the club last season were not enough.

Here is that Cahill statement in full:

"I'm very sorry to announce that I have reached an agreement with Shanghai Shenhua to terminate my contract after being told that I'm not part of the new coach Manzano's plans for the 2016 season having only just signed a new contract in November.

"This is very sad especially after what I feel I have helped to build in Shanghai Shenhua on and off the park. Just thinking about saying goodbye to my team-mates and especially the amazing fans is heartbreaking.

"Regardless of whether my contract is being honored and paid out in full, I would much rather have seen it out and finished what we started. I will always think about what could have been for us as a club in 2016. I will be able to share more information in the next 48 hours once the final details have been completed. Next chapter coming very soon!

"I would like to thank the amazing Shenhua supporters, the Chinese staff members and all my teammates for your amazing support; you will all be remembered by my family and myself. I would also like to thank my Chinese partner SECA for their continued support in my career."

Here at That's Cahill will be most fondly remembered for the time his translator was floored by our columnist, and Shanghai SIPG goalkeeper coach Ian Walker, under the happiest of slaps. You can relive that wonderful moment right here.