Kenwright hails Cahill

Tim Cahill: The New York Red Bulls man played almost 300 games for Everton since his £1.5m move from Millwall

Tim Cahill will start his new career Major League Soccer with the "heartfelt thanks" of Everton chairman Bill Kenwright ringing in his ears.

The midfielder ended his eight-year career with the Toffees by signing a three-and-a-half-year deal with New York Red Bulls.

Although the decision to let the Australia international leave saddened Kenwright, the deal will free up much-needed funds for Everton to bring Tottenham midfielder Steven Pienaar back to Goodison Park again.

"We accepted this offer for Tim with a heavy heart but it is a great way for him to end his Everton career," Kenwright told the club's official website.

"The transfer salutes Tim's unswerving commitment to our cause over the last eight years and also respects his desire never to play against Everton.

"On a personal level, I will miss the first-ever player that David and I went to see together, and the wide-eyed bundle of energy that walked into my office a short time later and told me that Everton was his destiny.

"And he now embarks on a new stage of his career with our heartfelt thanks, and of course our real best wishes for his future.

"I can guarantee New York Red Bulls will have many, many admirers cheering them on from across the ocean. All wearing the blue of Everton. Thank you Tim."