Cahill delighted with new contract

(GETTY IMAGES)

Tim Cahill described signing a new long-term contract with Everton yesterday as "a massive moment in my career".

The 30-year-old agreed a new four-year deal which will more than likely allow him to see out his top-flight career at Goodison Park. The Australia international, who will now set his sights on next month's World Cup, admitted he never had any intention of looking elsewhere for a better offer.

"It's a massive moment in my career. I've pretty much instilled in my life loyalty on and off the park," said Cahill. "There's been long-term talks with Everton and for it to be executed like this I'm so proud. It's massive for them, massive for me. A big, big moment. I'm very close to the chairman [Bill Kenwright], manager [David Moyes], and board. For this to go so smoothly, brilliant. It's a big decision for both of us, and for me, I couldn't be happier."

Cahill has been at Everton six years since signing from Millwall and could, should he have wanted, have looked for a move which would have earned him Champions League football. There would have been no shortage of takers for a goalscoring midfielder who is prolific in the air but the Australian is happy at Goodison Park and believes there is still plenty of scope for improvement.

"When you assess the situation, see where you are as a footballer, people question money and things like that, but there's only so much more you can earn. The grass isn't always greener," he said. "I don't chase big moves. That's the one thing I've done all my career, I've never invited clubs, I've never speculated. Everton know the way I work. It's a sign of respect. With the history we've got, the future we've got, I feel there's no bigger club.

"Obviously people will say I'm crazy because there's Manchester United and Arsenal and Champions League [clubs], but when you put it down in black and white, what I've achieved, what I'm going to achieve, it was the right decision to make."

Meanwhile, the club's midfielder Marouane Fellaini's recovery from ankle surgery is ahead of schedule and he could feature in the pre-season campaign.