UPDATE: TIM Cahill was the same age as his eldest son is now when he learnt from his mother the meaning of true sacrifice.

Father Tim Snr had injured his back working on the wharves, and from there mum Sisifo carried the Cahill family on her shoulders as she combined shifts at the Streets Ice Cream Factory in Minto and a cleaning business to help pay for her third child to fly to England for a trial aged just 16.

It was to be the big break for Australia’s greatest ever Socceroo.

To make it happen, Sisifo not only burnt the candle at both ends but the family had to take out a $10,000 loan and one of his brothers pulled out of school to get a job that could support the family finances.

FAREWELL: FFA planning tribute to champion Cahill

When Cahill trialled successfully for English club, Millwall, the then-teenager and now national hero started a never-ending journey to repaying the love and devotion of his family.

media_camera Tim Cahill celebrates after scoring in extra time during the 2018 World Cup qualifying victory over Syria. Picture: AAP

He calls those sacrifices made for him, his “beautiful scar.”

Now his priority is the US schooling of his own children Kyah, Sienne, Shae and Cruz, with his kids and wife Rebekah back home in New York for Friday’s moving farewell.

Cahill declared on Friday he would chase future domestic opportunities, but slammed the door shut on ever returning to the A-League. He also refused to dump on Socceroos World Cup coach Bert van Marwijk for the staggering decision to keep him on the bench when Australia’s tournament hopes were on the line.

Mostly though, Cahill pulled back the curtain to reveal the grit behind the goals. The heavy lifting behind the headers.

The fact Mrs Cahill thought she would be too emotional to be there in person for her son’s retirement from international football in Sydney, speaks to the deep bond they share. Mother and son spoke three times on the phone on Friday morning alone.

media_camera Tim Cahill is emotional as he speaks about his family at Friday’s retirement announcement in Sydney. Picture: Toby Zerna

Cahill, not one for public displays of emotion, himself broke down in tears when prompted to recall how his mum had given everything for him to chase his dreams.

“Listen, the only time I get hurt is when my family gets hurt,” said Cahill before being overcome by emotion.

“When I talk about my family, without them, I couldn’t be sitting here today.

media_camera Cahill came through in the clutch for Australia time and time again. Picture: AP

“That’s the thing that motivates me. Nothing hurts when you play for Australia. But there’s no pain like living away from your family, or leaving them early, or watching the stresses of your brother or sister or your mum and dad go through it all.

“Being the man that has to score, that’s not pressure. Pressure is when your family, your mum has to work two jobs to make sure they pay the bills when you’re growing up. That’s pressure.

“I’m a motivated person … and my family mean everything to me.”

Australia was up in arms at van Marwijk’s decision not to put Cahill on when the Socceroos were desperately chasing a match-winning goal in the pivotal middle match against Denmark.

It never came, and Australia could only rue what might have happened if Cahill had been able to take off his tracksuit as they bowed out of the World Cup with barely a whimper.

Cahill had delivered so many times for his country – 50 goals in just over 100 matches cementing his claim as the country’s greatest ever footballer, and according to Mark Bosnich, one of Australia’s greatest ever athletes.

But Cahill refused on Friday to play the blame game over his brutal snub in Russia.

“One thing I’ve learnt is, I’m there for my country … frustration is a word that’s used, obviously because a lot of people would have liked to see me play more,” Cahill said.

“But for me it was an honour to be part of a fourth World Cup campaign.

“A player has to think a lot bigger than himself personally, regardless of the situation.

“That’s why I feel I’m fine retiring. I’ve done all that I could and there was nothing that I didn’t do on or off the park.

“I got my moment against Peru (in the last game) and I can’t thank everyone in Australia enough for the support.”

WHAT CAHILL SAID ON FRIDAY

WHAT LED TO DECISION?

Straight after the World Cup and leading into it, the six months before, every decision I made was for my country. To help the team, help the players and then afterwards I wanted to have a free mind and reflect. I had an inkling on holiday that I wanted more time, but the support from my family, I felt, four World Cups, Asian Cups and Olympic Games, amazing moments. I thought do I want to play in the Asian Cup? I would love to but a lot of pressure comes with being a footballer, my family get concerned. For me it is the right time. I can pass the baton on. Arnie can prepare, I can be there for the boys. I’m not going anywhere really, I will always be their mentor, I always try and make a massive impact on the players especially about what it means to play for your country. This wasn’t an easy decision, I want this to be a good moment. It’s a big decision to retire when you know you can still kick a ball. Mentally and physically this was the perfect decision.

FAVOURITE GOAL AND ACHIEVEMENT?

Goal would have to be the first ever in a World Cup, you’re so proud when you first put on that jersey. Every single day now I have stopped, none of this has sunk in. The next camp will come around and then I will have to realise it’s becoming a reality. Goals are a reward but I play every game like it’s my last. You never know when it is going to end. There are so many goals, they all mean so much whether a tap in or a great strike, there are so many moments I am proud of.

TIMMY TIME

At 33 years old and you have done 3 World Cups, one thing I have learned, especially when playing for your country, all I care about is the team, it’s all about them. I knew I would get my time (In Russia) that is what I was preparing for in the 44 days. In Turkey I did everything possible, I never missed a session, I knew I would get a moment and I got it against Peru. I can’t thank everyone for their support. Frustration is a word used because others would have wanted me to play more but for me it was an honour to play a fourth World Cup. A player has to think a lot bigger than himself. I feel that is why I am fine retiring, there was nothing I didn’t do on and off the park. When I saw the support I was surprised. In the end I got the support that we all deserve, it was a great experience.

media_camera Tim Cahill scored 11 goals for Melbourne City before leaving in bitter circumstances.

PLANS

I’ve had a few conversations with Arnie and the FFA who have been so supportive. I am always someone who keeps the cards close to the chest. When you make a decision like this it has to be your own, it has to be organic. That’s what I wanted; I wanted this to be my decision. I am interested in coaching; I want to help do great things for soccer in Australia. I want to ensure I can still be an ambassador for the A-League. I will go to the UK for my UEFA licence, then I will open a door for offers to play football, Ive not really entertained anyone yet. I’ve been selfish and had some family time. Domestic, there could be opportunity but I have time to decide.

media_camera Tim Cahill made the decision with his family on holidays in the Maldives after the World Cup. Picture: Instagram

NEXT CLUB

I have heard whispers about the A-League. I will be open and honest, my experience was fantastic, my debut is something I will never forget. To live in America and play in the A-League is impossible so respectfully I will draw a line in the sand about me coming home. That should stop any whispers.

WORKING WITH BERT IN RUSSIA

There weren’t many conversations I don’t think many players had any. I just made sure they knew that if they needed me I was there. It was probably one of the best environments I have been in from a World Cup campaign this time around.

media_camera Australia's Tim Cahill shakes hands with head coach Bert van Marwijk. Picture: AAP

USAIN BOLT TO THE A-LEAGUE?

He is a fantastic world class athlete. He has to prove fitness and that he can play football. If he can they let’s see. All that matters is what the fans what. I can’t comment on if he can do it because I have never seen him play. But let’s make sure we protect our game. When we talk about players — Iniesta, Torres, let’s be realistic. These players are on tax free money, a lot of pressure gets put on clubs and the FFA. Everyone needs to work in harmony to grow the game.

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