TIM Cahill and Melbourne City have parted ways, effective immediately.

The Socceroos hero, who turned 38 today, is leaving the A-League club mid-season and in the build-up to the Russia 2018 World Cup.

It is unknown where he will play next, with the opportunity to appear in a fourth Cup still in his sights.

“Playing in the domestic league in Australia was always an important career goal for me, and my experience here has been fulfilling from start to finish,” Cahill said.

“The welcome from fans, the quality of the facilities and the ever-increasing quality of football continues to be a source of immense pride.

“I want to thank Melbourne City, the players and the staff, and especially the fans. It was amazing to help bring the first piece of silverware to this Club, and this makes me very proud. My experience here has been great and I have enjoyed contributing to the culture inside the club, being asked to take on a leadership role and, most importantly, being able to mentor a lot of the younger players - something I will continue to do in the future.

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“I wish the club, head coach, players and all the fans all the very best for the rest of the season. It’s never easy to say goodbye but it was great to win last weekend and make a contribution, and also to have the Club sitting third in the league.

“Qualifying for the World Cup has been a great adventure, and it would be a massive honour to represent my country in Russia. That will be my focus in the coming months.”

Melbourne City coach Warren Joyce said of the decision: “Having players of Tim’s stature in the dressing room can only help develop a squad’s ambitions, and his impact on the team and for the club is well known, particularly with the younger players in the squad.

“In the period that I’ve worked with Tim, I have appreciated the contribution he has made both on and off the field and the dedication he has shown in training. We all wish him the very best on the next stage of his career.”

Tim Cahill of Melbourne City waits for a start in the 77th minute. Source: AAP

There has been speculation about Cahill’s club future since the full-time whistle of the Australia vs Honduras play-off in Sydney. With the team finally qualified, the 100-cap Socceroo made clear he would need regular playing time before Russia 2018, whether that was with City or elsewhere.

“Now I’ve got to make some big decisions ... I would do anything to stay a part of this team,” he said.

He later added: “For me to have the chance of being involved in four World Cups needs a bit of thought processing.

“I need to play and I need to stay fit. I feel great even though I’ve got an ankle injury and that’s something I’ll look at in the next few weeks.

Tim Cahill celebrates 2018 World Cup qualification. Source: Getty Images

“I’m always competitive and I’m always looking for the next level but the most beautiful thing about all this is just qualifying first. We’ve done that and now I can address the next level.

“To get to a World Cup you have to be playing at the highest level, so my job was qualifying for the World Cup and my next job is testing myself to see how competitive I can be if I want to get to a World Cup.

“It’s something that I’ll make sure of - either way for me I’m always going to play. If I don’t, I’ll find a way to play.”

Cahill posted a birthday tweet today that seemed to indicate the World Cup was still firmly in his mind:

Big thankyou for all the Birthday messages from FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FANS. 38 is just a number and trust me I’m always chasing my dreams and I can’t do it without the love and support from my FAMILY the one thing that makes me tick. 🙌🏽💙 417 #FOURSEVENTEEN pic.twitter.com/9M1JaoOXVM — TIM CAHILL (@Tim_Cahill) December 5, 2017

Cahill scored at the Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 World Cups and is aiming to become the fourth player to score at four World Cup finals.

Melbourne City chief executive Scott Munn said on Wednesday.

“Tim has been part of Melbourne City during a significant period in its history, scoring the winning goal in the FFA Cup Final and contributing 13 goals in his first season in the A-League.

“We are grateful for his professionalism, leadership and mentorship of the playing group, particularly the younger players, to whom he has been a great source of inspiration and learning.

“Everyone at Melbourne City wishes Tim the best of luck for the future, and thanks him for his contribution to the Club and to the Australian game.”

Cahill’s move to Melbourne City was his first senior club deal in Australia, and he kicked it off in style, with a goal that went viral around the world in the Melbourne Derby last season, which was named the goal of the season.

It was the most spectacular goal of his 12 scored for the A-League outfit, but his most important came in the 2016 FFA Cup final, where his winning goal against Sydney FC sealed the club’s first ever piece of silverware.