___   >>> click here to see pics of cahill's unveiling  

The veteran star was officially unveiled by his new MLS club overnight after his £1 million transfer from Everton.

The move disappointed many in Australia that the 32 year old had opted for the MLS over the A-League, but today Cahill said he had never even spoken to any local clubs.

And he effectively ruled out any return to play in Australia and instead wants to focus on his coaching clinics for youngsters in his homeland.

"This is a massive move for me," he said. "Moving to the A-League would have been a step backwards. And that's no disrespect.

"It's basically, I want to still play at a high level. There's still another World Cup for me to play in and qualify for the Australian team, and this is a massive opportunity."

He added: "I didn't speak to any A-League clubs and it was never in my plans.

"The one thing I do in Australia is create pathways for kids to follow their dreams with my soccer clinics, and I make sure that they know that if a kid like me can make it then they have opportunities.

"I think I'm more interested in the grassroots level of football in Australia and not playing there."

Meanwhile, Red Bulls coach Hans Backe spoke of his delight at the acquisition of the former Everton ace.

“It’s a great, great signing for us," said Backe. "Being European, of course I’ve seen Tim for many, years with Everton and also with Millwall.

"We get a player who is quite versatile. He can play second striker, he can be a box-to-box central midfielder, and you can be sure he's a guy who will give you 100 percent.”

Cahill is expected to make his debut in tonight’s game against Tottenham Hotspur, where, according to Backe, he will play as one of two central midfielders.

Cahill arrived in New York after spending days in Canada waiting for a US work visa wrangle to be resolved.

"It's nice to know that people worked hard to get me here," said Cahill."In that respect, waiting for the visa wasn't that bad.

"It was crazy. I had about six flights here and there, not knowing where I was going. But I'm here now, ready to go.

"I knew in my heart that I could never play for another Premier club, I've always been loyal. It's a big move for me. A lot of people may think otherwise, but I'm 32, fit, and ready for a new challenge.

"I spent 15 years in England, playing in the most powerful league and I did so with loyalty. It was really special to play there.

"I found it hard to field offers, other offers, because it would have been hard to play against the club you love. I'm going to miss the lads and the fans but I'm not going to miss the weather."

Cahill said he was looking forward to making New York home after only ever visiting there once before.

He added: "It's a glamorous city and a great place to be.

"I am going to watch the NBA, go to Yankee games, see the NFL, things I can do with my kids."

   ___   >>> click here to see pics of cahill's unveiling