When the shock and awe hit a week ago of the news that Tim Cahill was leaving Everton of the English Premier League for the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer, no one thought a player of that caliber was even on the list of possible transfers. But now that all the necessary paperwork has been processed, and the I’s are dotted and the T crossed, Tim Cahill entered Red Bull Arena with Head Coach Hans Backe and showed his enthusiasm as he met the New York City Media, English media and a member of the Australian press.

“I think with opportunities in football, you can’t stutter,” said Cahill. “It’s such a big club, the New York Red Bulls, and to play with Thierry Henry and a big squad, I made my decision pretty quick. I made sure it happened and gave my commitment to give everything. There were two years left on my contract [with Everton], so part of me was mixed emotions. But I’m happy now and can’t wait to get started.”

One thing is for sure with Cahill coming to this league, he spoke with his former keeper at Everton Tim Howard, as well as Landon Donovan who came over on two loan stints. “I think I spoke about the MLS every year. I traveled here the last six, seven eight years with Everton. We’ve had Marcus Hahnemann and Edson Buddle.”

What you do know about Cahill is that he is a very loyal man. He told the media that if there were offers from other Premiership clubs, he wasn’t going to take them. His loyalty remained with Everton as he enjoyed being with his team mates, David Moyes and the chairman of the club.

What made this move so surprising was that Hans Backe never thought Cahill would leave either the club or the Premiership as a whole. He was a late pick on their list and when they contacted Cahill and his agent, he and Soler never thought the word yes would come so fast. But on a Monday Afternoon in the end of July, Tim Cahill made up his mind and made the big jump to the United States to play in Major League Soccer. But there was a major question mark coming from those who write on the game from the land down under – why didn’t he go and play in the Hyundai A-League?

“Moving to the A-League for me would be a step backwards. That’s no disrespect. I want to still play at a high level. There’s still another World Cup, I want to play and qualify for the Australian team. I didn’t speak to any A-League club. I’m more interested in the grassroots level football in Australia but not playing there.”

So for the Australians and the Evertonian supporters that live in New York City and the tri-state area, this will be your big chance to see one of your players perform at Red Bull Arena. But one thing is for sure from Cahill: besides hustling his rear end on the pitch at Red Bull Arena, he can’t wait to catch a Yankees game.