Cahill, 38, announced his international retirement after the World Cup in Russia, drawing a line under his 107 caps and 50 goals for green and gold over 14 years.

But he will be back for one more game to say goodbye to fans and teammates at ANZ Stadium in the match against Lebanon on November 20.

FFA CEO David Gallop today confirmed Cahill would be a part of the Socceroos squad for the game.

But Cahill claimed he never had any inkling he would be given the honour of the chance to make one last appearance like this.

“It's an unbelievable surprise... I couldn’t believe it,” said Cahill in Sydney today. "I had a phone call from FFA with plans they were preparing a farewell game for me... I couldn't believe it.

"You think when you retire, that's it. It's done. It's an honor and a privilege."

He added: "To put on the jersey one more time – it's an honour to wear it. I love playing for my country. I love scoring goals for my country. 

"When someone rewards you with sort of game, it's a different perspective that I never thought would happen to me.

“It’ll be the most emotional game of my career. If I get on the pitch or get to sit anywhere near the pitch it’s an honour... it’s a humbling time for me.”

Cahill stressed he did not want to interfere with coach Graham Arnold's preparations for the Asian Cup and was happy to just  wave to the fans from the sidelines or come on for four minutes if that was what was best for the team.

"I'm back now to say thank you to the Australian public, to say thank you to the FFA, to say thank you to the media, and say thank you to Arnie and his team," he added.