It wasn’t a reported $10 million dollar deal to Shanghai Shenhua or a clash of ideals with coach Mike Petke that drove Tim Cahill away from the New York Red Bulls.
He was just too old to endure another rebuilding year.
The Australian legend spoke to SI.com during Wednesday’s New Balance Soccer launch in New York City, where he candidly spoke about his departure.
“To be honest, it probably was a new transition for the club, and I am an older player,” he explained. “It’s a new change. When I first got there, we were part of that new change. And we changed the club and we really did help grow the club and the brand and everything. Now it’s starting all over again, and it’s difficult.
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“The new coach, he looks like he’s really experienced, and he’s got a big appetite for the game, the same as the GM,” he continued. “But I feel when you start all over again, at 35 years old I don’t know whether I’m ready to do that.”
Part of Cahill’s issue with the rebuilding was the loss of several key teammates this offseason.
“[Ambroise] Oyongo, one of the top performers from last year; Eric Alexander, the most consistent player I ever played with at the Red Bulls, a player that me and Thierry [Henry] spoke very highly of time and time again; [Jamison] Olave, one of the best defenders in the league,” he said.
“It definitely is a new transition for the New York Red Bulls, and you can see there’s a method to what he’s doing there, and I think it’s going to take time. But I wish them all the very best.”
Despite several reports to the contrary, relations with former coach Petke did not play into his decision. Cahill praised his former boss and revealed he had even texted Petke the day of his firing.
“You always have respect for your manager regardless, and he couldn’t have done any more unless we’d won the MLS Cup,” Cahill explained.
“So he should and hopefully will get another job in the MLS surely on his portfolio. Two seasons: Supporters’ Shield and one goal from the final. So I really feel for him. He’s a fan favorite. They loved him, but they loved him for a reason. Because he loved the club more than anyone else ever will. I know that for a fact.”
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