Socceroos great Tim Cahill says he will gladly jump into the role of Melbourne City and A-League ambassador, wearing the pressure that comes with it as a badge of honour.
The 36-year-old was feted on his arrival at City on Monday as he spoke about the move that will have him playing his club football in Australia for the first time in two decades.
It's been a deal months in the planning, but one Cahill said felt right from the start.
"I know it's the right decision. I knew it was the right decision months ago," he said.
"I know it's going to help me as a national team player.
"I didn't know I could feel like this again as a footballer but it's very special."
The move also feels right to City, whose coach John van 't Schip said Cahill brought a "winning mentality".
Cahill also brings star power to the club which has failed to leave any significant imprint on the competition since joining the A-League in 2010.
Football Federation Australia is also hoping Cahill can drive a lift in attendances and television audiences and has chipped in to meet his salary demands to land a deal.
Cahill said he would embrace his position as the face of Melbourne City and the A-League.
"I want to build the game," he said.
"Going to play Western Sydney Wanderers, I can't wait.
"Sydney FC. Perth. Melbourne Victory against (Kevin Muscat) my old mate ... I want them to take advantage of a player coming back.
"I know I'm a Sydney boy but ... Sydney, Melbourne, it doesn't matter."
Cahill said he wasn't concerned about high expectations.
"I've always been a player that needs that bit of pressure and needs that next kick," he said.
"This is what I need as a player. This is what's always made me tick."
Cahill trained with his City teammates for the first time on Monday morning, wearing the club's new white and sky blue kit.
He signed a two-year deal which will expire on the eve of the 2018 World Cup, but he wouldn't be drawn on whether that meant he was planning an on-field swansong at the tournament should Australia qualify.
"This is one of the best places to get myself to a World Cup," he said.
"But I don't look too far ahead. I'll take it game by game. I'll take it stage by stage."
Earlier, Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou gave his backing to the move.
"He's very professional on and off the field but he'll have a really good infrastructure at City to make sure his body is looked after, which is key, and the league will suit him in that sense," Postecoglou said.
