Jul 17th, 2018

Jul 17th, 2018

Australia's all-time leading goalscorer Tim Cahill has announced his retirement from international football following a prolific career with the Socceroos.

Cahill's retirement comes following his appearance at a fourth FIFA World Cup in Russia, a record for an Australian alongside fellow veteran Mark Milligan.

Following his debut in 2004, Cahill scored a record 50 times for the Socceroos over 107 appearances, including goals at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.

Cahill took to his personal Twitter account to post a heartfelt message following the announcement.

(AAP) Cahill retires as Australia's all-time leading international goalscorer (AAP)

"Today's the day that I'm officially hanging up my boots on my international career with the Socceroos," he wrote.

"No words can describe what it has meant to represent my country.

"Massive thank you to everyone for the support throughout all my years wearing the Australian badge."

Cahill posted a longer message on his personal Instagram account, calling the honour of representing the Socceroos "a dream come true".

"As a kid all I wanted to do was represent my country and so many of my most memorable moments have come whilst playing for Australia, and I will forever be grateful for that," Cahill wrote.

"My mentality has always been that I would treat every game like it was going to be my last. This has helped me to always fight for my spot in the squad.

(AAP) Cahill shot to prominence in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, scoring a brace on his World Cup debut (AAP)

"The jersey is like a medal of honour and the last 4 years especially I've understood that this badge and jersey belongs to Australia and every time I stepped out onto the pitch I was representing 24 million Australians."

Cahill also thanked his parents and family for their support over his illustrious career.

"Looking up into the stands before a match and seeing [his family] there always lifted me to give everything on the pitch," he wrote.

"I would also liked to thank my friends, coaches, team mates and the fans who have all played a part in my career with Australia."

Cahill retires from the green and gold as the first Australian to score at the FIFA World Cup and the first Australian to score at the Asian Cup.

His 107 international caps for the Socceroos ranks him just two behind Mark Schwarzer on the all-time list for Australia.

The 38-year-old's five World Cup goals ties him alongside the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Michel Platini and Romario for 64th on the all-time FIFA World Cup goal scoring list.

Cahill was also a part of Australia's victorious Asian Cup side in 2015.