Speaking to SBS TV, Cahill admitted he was angry with a situation that evolved in the Australian camp during the recent World Cup qualification campaign and said that a player agent, who he did not name, had deliberately targeted his character.

"I think it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out what's happened in the last couple of weeks. Obviously there's player agents involved who are very bitter and it's something that's very difficult to explain, because me as a person, you think you can play football and that's all that matters," Cahill said.

"Outside of football, commercially, is one thing you would hope wouldn't affect a team. It's one of those issues that definitely will be addressed after this whole camp. It's something that's made me angry and something that as a team, when we play we are unbelievable, but outside when it comes to other issues, it's a bit sad."

Cahill has endured a rollercoaster month in the spotlight, after he helped Australia to qualify for the World Cup, then was involved in a nightclub incident which prompted a media smear campaign against him before he turned hero again with two goals in Australia's win over Japan at the MCG.

The Everton midfielder would not elaborate further on the claims, only saying that the support he received from people like Mark Schwarzer was very important to him.

"The best thing I can do is let my football do the talking and that's what I've done for years which is what has brought me to where I am. Some big footballers have come out and supported me and understand the politics behind the scenes with players' agents only, which is sad," he said.

"I do my business on the pitch. It doesn't affect me because it doesn't faze me. It disappoints me that's all."

Meanwhile, Cahill confirmed that he was in discussions with Everton about extending his stay at Goodison Park. He said that although it would be nice to be at a club that wins trophies on a regular basis, he felt he was best-served by staying at the Toffees for the foreseeable future.