Tim Cahill has announced his departure from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua, just three months after the forward signed a new contract extension.
The 36-year-old, who spent eight years playing for Everton, joined Shenhua in March last year from MLS outfit New York Red Bulls.
Via Instagram, Cahill revealed that he was informed by new head coach Gregorio Manzano that he was not going to be a permanent fixture in his team.
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 teammates 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."
In November, Cahill agreed to stay with the club for one more season.
Danielle Joynson
