Just days after departing Shanghai Shenhua, Socceroo great Tim Cahill has joined rival Chinese Super League club Hangzhou Greentown.

Cahill’s release from Shanghai came as a shock after he signed a contract extension with the club in November.

The 36-year-old was also one of their best players last season, scoring 11 times in 28 matches and helping the club make it all the way through to the Chinese FA Cup final.

Cahill will link up with fellow Socceroo Matthew Spiranovic, who joined the club from Western Sydney Wanderers in 2015.

Australia's all-time leading goal scorer was unable to join a Hyundai A-League club for the remainder of this season as his contract with Shanghai was terminated after the Australian transfer window closed on February 2.

Hangzhou finished 11th in the CSL last season and are coached by South Korean great Hong Myung-bo.