Interview With An Author: Tim Cahill
Iconic Australian Tim Cahill chats about his footballing career as he prepares for the FIFA World Cup.
What inspired you to write Legacy?
I originally had the idea to share my story in late 2014. I had finished my season with New York Red Bulls, taken part in the World Cup in Brazil and felt like my career and life had gotten to the point where I was ready to share my experiences to that point. I had been asked about an autobiography a few times before that but I didn’t feel ready. That was nearly four years ago now, and with so much having happened in that time, I felt like it needed a refresh.
What is your earliest memory of football?
My earliest memories are just from around the house. Kicking a ball with my brothers inside and outside, watching on TV. My first ‘organised’ match was when I was 4 years old and filled in for my older brother’s team. I was terrified of all of the bigger, older kids!
What would you have done if you hadn’t pursued football?
My favourite subject at school outside of PE was drama so I might have tried to do something with that. It was never really a thought for me though because I decided pretty early on that football was going to be my life.
What has been your proudest moment?
I think winning the Asian Cup on Australian soil in 2015 was a definite standout. To win an important trophy in front of all of our family and friends was especially memorable. The support that we had at each game from the home crowd was amazing.
How does it feel to represent your country at the FIFA World Cup?
It’s the greatest feeling. To represent Australia on the international stage at the biggest sporting event in the world is what I would dream about as a kid. The atmosphere is always on another level and to know that the entire country is backing you is incredible.
What advice would you give to people who want to chase their sporting dream?
I think that it’s really important to have good values. My mum never let us go to football training unless we had finished our school work. She wanted us to know that working hard at school and at home is just as important as the training on the pitch and I think she was right about that. Apart from that, it’s really about working incredibly hard and staying level – don’t get too high from praise or too down from criticism.
– Emily Pullen, WHSmith Australia
– Content supplied with the assistance of Harper Collins
