New York Red Bulls confirmed on Monday that Australian midfielder Tim Cahill has left the club by mutual agreement, making him a free agent. Per league rules, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
"This decision was not made lightly, and it is the result of many conversations between our staff, Tim, and his agent," said Red Bulls Sporting Director Ali Curtis.
"After much deliberation, we have agreed that this decision is best for all involved. We thank Tim for his service to the organization. He positively impacted the growth of the beautiful game in the United States, MLS and for the Red Bulls. We are pleased that Tim will continue to be an ambassador for Red Bull moving forward."
Cahill himself said: "I've enjoyed every moment of my time at the Red Bulls and leave with great memories.
"I joined with the ambition of helping to grow and positively affect soccer in the US and I feel immensely proud of what we achieved as a team during my time in the MLS.
"Winning the Supporter's Shield, was without doubt, one of the best moments I have experienced in my career and I am now looking forward to my next chapter, of which I will announce in due course."
On Tuesday morning, Cahill said he had completed a deal with Shanghai Shenhua, the former home of Didier Drogba in the Chinese Super League.
Cahill hinted his exit via an Instagram post on Saturday, saying: "As the hours go on it sinks in a little more. I have played with great players and for great teams and the same pattern always presents itself.
"Good people on and off the park and most importantly strong personalities that only care for the good of the team. It took us time to find our feet and gel as a team and staff but when it clicked theirs nothing more beautiful. We have a captain with a heart of gold that would always put his body on the line for the team, especially in this tournament and the experience of the premier league."
Cahill's stunning strike against the Netherlands in Porto Alegre at the FIFA World Cup stopped the world. His opener in last month's AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal added to his legend.
The Red Bulls have made significant changes recently after the exit of Thierry Henry. They sacked coach Mike Petke and under the new direction of sporting director Ali Curtis have released Eric Alexander and Ambroise Oyongo and added Sacha Kljestan and Felipe Martins.