Cahill's Asian Cup showing tilted Shenhua scales

It was Tim Cahill's self-confidence and his two goals against China in the AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal that finally convinced Shanghai Greenland Shenhua to make a move for the Australian veteran.

Club president Wu Xiaohui revealed that the Socceroos' leading goalscorer was already in the club's sight before last month's Asian Cup. "We were aware of his ability, but age was a major concern."

"His brilliant performance during Australia's quarterfinal against China helped us make up our mind," Wu said. "He made us believe that he was capable of meeting our requirement and fit into the Chinese Super League."

Wu added that the club had a "smooth" communication with Cahill, who has agreed a one-year contract.

"He told us that he would use his performance to prove his ability. He was confident enough to let his agent pass the word that he was sure the club would give him an extension after the first year," Wu added.

Cahill becomes the fifth and last foreign player Greenland Shenhua has registered for the new season which kicks off on March 7.

Last week, Greenland Shenhua's city rival Shanghai SIPG announced the signing of former Guangdong Evergrande midfielder Conca, who returned to China from Brazilian side Fluminense, on a reported salary of US$10.8 million a year.

Following big signings by other clubs, Wu said head coach Francis Gillot had wanted to sign a foreign player from Asia.

According to CSL rules, three foreign players and one more from Asia are allowed on the pitch in a game at a time. Cahill will be the second Asian player after Greece international Avraam Papadopoulos who joined the team last week. Papadopoulos also holds Australian nationality, which will classify him as an Asian.

The other three foreign players at the club are Colombian midfielder Giovanni Moreno, Brazilian striker Paulo Henrique and Zambia's Stoppila Sunzu.

The Greenland Shenhua squad is undergoing winter training in Spain. According to the team, Cahill will join them this week. The team will return to Shanghai on February 16 for a three-day Spring Festival holiday. All foreign coaches and players will return to the club after the Spring Festival.

Greenland Shenhua's first match of the 2015 season will be a derby against city rival Shanghai Shenxin on March 8. Greenland Shenhua will challenge Shanghai SIPG at Shanghai Stadium on May 9.

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