"I spent most of the morning and last night on the phone to David Moyes. I spoke with [retired New York teammate] Thierry Henry quickly via text and the chairman at Everton, Bill Kenwright, and to [Socceroos coach] Ange Postecoglou this morning," Cahill told Fox Sports News. "To speak to Moyes about possibly going to La Liga and, because I've done the Premier League, because I've done America, was amazing for me." New pastures: Tim Cahill. Credit:Getty Images "I've made the decision purely because I've [already] played in the Premier League, did really well, and it was a massive compliment to get the phone calls and the offers that I did last night." Real Sociedad were walloped 4-1 by Real Madrid on Sunday and Moyes was hoping to use the close of the European transfer window to boost his attacking options, with a move for Burnley striker Danny Ings also mooted. While some may see it as a step down, Cahill said he believed that China's booming football prospects made it a ripe region for him and his management team to tap into.

"China is a growing market in football. You've seen that in the game we played against China [at the Asian Cup] and the millions and millions of people who watched it. I'm somebody that embraces culture and different aspects of life," he said. "I'm at an age where I want to give back to football as well as still playing at a high level. I've taken in some advice from some very powerful men in football and it's all about doing what I want to do as a footballer and trying different leagues. "I think it's exciting because to still be in demand and to have the offers I've had is special. This will be massive for me, as a player on and off the park." Shanghai is Cahill's fourth and possibly final club, having started his career at Millwall in 1998 and then making the switch to Everton in 2004, earning iconic status at both clubs. He joined New York Red Bulls in 2012, scoring 14 goals in his time in the Big Apple and winning the club's MVP award in 2013. Despite the Asian Cup success seemingly being an ideal time to bow out, there is no plan in Camp Cahill to quit the Socceroos. Describing Ange Postecoglou as "one of the best influences on my career" despite their limited time together, Cahill says he wants to play on.

"My plans will be to support the boss. My vision over the past 14 months has been to support the boss. It's never been about me," he said "When you do things like that, and you've captain a in Mile Jedinak, who I also spoke to and supports you, and [teammate Mark] Bresciano, and the boss, we've gone on this journey together to help Australian football grow but to also let people understand the effort we're going to. "The boss knows my plan with the national team and I'm always there for him, on or off the park, and I'll always leave that decision to him because he's definitely someone that's changed the footprint of football in Australia in my opinion. His love for the sport and this country is on a whole different level." Cahill said there had been talks with Sydney FC chief executive Tony Pignata after the World Cup but that no A-League club had made him an offer in recent months. "I respect Australian football so much and a lot of speculation has always thrown my name in," he said. "I've always asked for a grassroots project but I've never had an official offer in the last two months. "He [Pignata] did reach out after the World Cup but realistic offers, there was nothing. I'm an ambassador for Australia, for my country, for the children and I want to make sure the kids know that I'm following my dreams, still at this age, and to get a move as I have at this age to such a massive club in Shanghai Shenhua, for me it's a really proud moment.

"Hopefully in the future the Australian league will grow more, I'll support it and what we did in the past few days with Ange Postecoglou has really helped Australian football grow. I'll continue to really push the message about my country and how proud I am." The rise of Bradley Wright-Phillips as New York's top striker last season - bagging 27 goals in 32 games - saw Cahill play more of a midfield role, no longer his preferred position. Cahill's $4.67 million contract was one of the biggest in the MLS last season but he accepts the club should fill it with somebody who they can build a team around for the long-term. "It's always fair they can fill that designated position with someone who can be there for 2-3 years," he said. "They're rebuilding a younger team. I feel this year would have been my biggest year as a footballer. Leading into a big tournament [the Asian Cup], my club football was a bit messy because you're focused on international [duty], with the World Cup and Asian Cup. "Now I'll have a week off and I'll go straight into pre-season and ready to go again, managed in the right way by a top coach in Francis Gillot."