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Tim Cahill's contract with Shanghai Shenhua terminated

Tim Cahill: Enjoying life in China
Image: Tim Cahill leaves Shanghai Shenhua three months after signing contract extension

Former Everton and Millwall midfielder Tim Cahill has had his contract with Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua terminated with immediate effect.

The news comes despite 36-year-old Cahill, who spent three years with MLS New York Red Bulls before joining Shenhua in 2015, signing an extension to his contract just three months ago.

Cahill announced his departure on his Instagram page, explaining he had been told he was not part of new coach Gregorio Manzano's plans for the future.

He wrote: "I'm very sorry to announce that I have reached an agreement with Shanghai Shenhua to terminate my contract after being told that I'm not part of the new coach Manzano's plans for the 2016 season having only just signed a new contract in November.

"This is very sad especially after what I feel I have helped to build in Shanghai Shenhua on and off the park. Just thinking about saying goodbye to my team-mates and especially the amazing fans is heartbreaking.

"Regardless of whether my contract is being honored and paid out in full, I would much rather have seen it out and finished what we started. I will always think about what could have been for us as a club in 2016. I will be able to share more information in the next 48 hours once the final details have been completed. Next chapter coming very soon!

"I would like to thank the amazing Shenhua supporters, the Chinese staff members and all my team-mates for your amazing support; you will all be remembered by my family and myself. I would also like to thank my Chinese partner SECA for their continued support in my career."

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Cahill was part of a strong Shenhua side that contained former Premier League players Demba Ba and Momo Sissoko. The latter is also understood to be on the verge of leaving the club, with coach Manzano earmarking Seattle Sounders striker Obafemi Martins as his next potential signing.

Manzano said: "If Martins can join Shenhua, I hope he will be as professional as Cahill, train hard and contribute goals and assists."

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