Tim Cahill says he will embrace the pressure and expectation that come with being the star man at Melbourne City and in the A-League.
The 36-year-old Socceroo was feted on his arrival at the club on Monday, discussing the move that will have him playing his club football in Australia for the first time in two decades.
It's been a move months in the planning, but one Cahill said felt right from the start.
"It feels good. I know it's the right decision. I knew it was the right decision months ago," he said. "It's the right decision as a footballer as well.
"I know it's going to help me as a national team player.
"I didn't know I could feel like this again as a footballer but it's very special."
Cahill brings star-power to the club, which has failed to leave a significant imprint on the competition since joining the A-League in 2010.
Football Federation Australia is also hoping Cahill can drive an increase in attendances and viewers across the board, and chipped in to meet his salary demands to land a deal.
Cahill said he would embrace the role of club and league ambassador.
"I want [other clubs] to take advantage of it," he said. "I know I'm a Sydney boy but ... Sydney, Melbourne, it doesn't matter."
The all-time leading Socceroos goalscorer said he would embrace the pressure.
"I've always been a player that needs that bit of pressure and needs that next kick," he said.
"This is what I need as a player. This is what's always made me tick."
Happy to finally be at my new home @MelbourneCity #together @TC4Academy ������������ pic.twitter.com/xkQr8nVzah
- TIM CAHILL (@Tim_Cahill) August 15, 2016
Cahill trained with his City teammates for the first time on Monday morning, wearing the club's new white and sky blue kit.
He signed a two-year deal which will expire just prior to the 2018 World Cup, but he wouldn't be drawn on whether that meant he was planning an on-field swansong at the tournament, should Australia qualify.
"This is one of the best places to get myself to a World Cup," he said.
"But I don't look too far ahead ... I'll take it game by game. I'll take it stage by stage."
Earlier, Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou gave his backing to the move.
"He's going to be fantastic for Melbourne City to start with. It's important he's gone to the right club," he told News Corp.
"He's very professional on and off the field but he'll have a really good infrastructure at City to make sure his body is looked after, which is key, and the league will suit him in that sense."