Tim Cahill returned to the Goodison Park pitch where he built his Everton legacy on September 26, captaining Team Merseyside in the inaugural Game4Hope match. The retired midfielder led a star-studded side that included former Blues teammates Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott, alongside actor James Nelson-Joyce and social media personality StillRyan.
They faced a Rest of the World XI featuring global icons Rivaldo and Clarence Seedorf. Team Merseyside secured a 3-2 victory thanks to a late Leighton Baines winner, but the occasion was about more than the result, with the contest raising funds for Everton in the Community and homelessness charity Shelter.
Pride in representing Liverpool
Cahill told the ECHO: "It's always good when you can come back to this city to do something special with them. When I got the call to play in this game, it was not obligation and it's something I take great pride in representing the city of Liverpool."
Despite hailing from Australia, Cahill's all-action style endeared him to Evertonians during his eight years at the club. Reflecting on that connection, he said: "I carry Everton with me my whole career. When I left and still now."
He added: "As someone that has made a great career from this football club, but without [the fans], it would have been a lot different. I'm very grateful. They know what the club means to me. I don't need to tell them, but I always appreciate the support."
Bond with the city
Cahill believes his bond with the fans stems from shared values. He said: "For us, it's just being together, standing together, being loyal. It's not just winning. It's being there when the chips are down."
He added: "It's such a great city with two great football clubs. A working class community who are appreciative of the badge. When you understand that and you get to learn more about it from ex club legends and be someone who can also mentor other players, it carries you through for the rest of your life."
"That's one thing I've always had is an appreciation of families, of Evertonians and the city. To be able to put the jersey on is something I never took for granted."
Verdict on current Everton
Cahill also offered his assessment of Everton's unbeaten start to the season, praising former boss David Moyes. He said: "David Moyes is one of the top managers in the Premier League and over the years he's shown why he is one of the top managers in the Premier League."
He continued: "He knows the club, the players, he can build a great club. He understands the club and that's something I really like about him. It's a small squad, but there's a lot of quality."
"To be undefeated and to start the way we have it's exceptional. If we can continue like this, let's see where we end up. It's not something we want to put expectations on and thinking too far ahead of it."
