At long last, Australian football finally has its biggest star on its home patch.
Tim Cahill has come home.
The Socceroos' all-time leading scorer signed a two-year deal with Melbourne City on Thursday, ending weeks of speculation and years of hopes for an A-League stint.
The deal, partially funded in the first year by a new FFA guest player fund, also includes a third year for Cahill to become a coach.
It paves the way for Cahill to retire at the 2018 World Cup after two campaigns with City, with FFA hoping it can help secure the league an increased broadcast deal on the way.
Cahill, speaking from New York ahead of linking with City next week, said he was excited to get started.
"There is real ambition and purpose here, qualities that are immensely important to me," he said.
"I am here to contribute as much as I can to both the club and, where possible, to the further development of football here in Australia.
"My immediate focus is on getting to know my teammates and our pre-season preparations.
"I'm excited about the quality of the squad that I am joining and the opportunity to win silverware."
The transfer is a huge fillip to the league ahead of its 12th season, one in which the all-important broadcast rights will be re-negotiated.
FFA chief executive David Gallop said the signing was a "huge addition" for the club and league.
"We're really pleased that Melbourne City has taken the opportunity of the new regulations and the marquee fund to bring Tim home," he said.
"Tim's arrival is the biggest transfer move in the A-League's history because no player is more popular or has had a bigger impact on the modern game in Australia than Tim Cahill."
While Cahill's incredible cut-through appeal will grow attendances and viewers for the league, it remains to be seen whether he can win a first title in 20 seasons as a professional.
Cahill started his career in England, with Millwall and English Premier League force Everton.
He defied calls to come home in 2012, joining New York Red Bulls before recent stints with Chinese Super League clubs Shanghai Shenhua and Hangzhou Greentown.
Cahill will now play his club football for the first time on home soil, under Dutch coach John van 't Schip.
After a semi-final finish last year, van 't Schip will hope to mould last year's golden boot winner Bruno Fornaroli and Cahill into a title-winning strike duo.
"He is without doubt one of the most loved sports stars in this country, and I think the fact that he is back in his home country is important to the fans, and is fantastic for us as a club," he said.
"I see in Cahill and Bruno Fornaroli a beautiful footballing partnership."
TIM CAHILL CAREER SNAPSHOT
Age: 36
Position: Striker/midfielder
Former Clubs:
* Milwall (1998-2004), 217 games, 52 goals.
* Everton (2004-2012), 226 games, 56 goals
* New York Red Bulls (2012-2015), 62 games, 14 goals
* Shanghai Shenhua (2015-2016), 28 games, 11 goals
* Hangzhou Greentown (2016) 17 games, 4 goals.
International career
Socceroos matches: 91, goals 47
Career achievements:
* Premier League debut: Everton vs Manchester United, 2004
* Australia debut: vs South Africa, 2004
* Scored Australia's first goal in World Cup finals (2006 vs Japan)
* 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cup, scoring five goals.
* Australia's leading all-time goal scorer
* Asian Cup winner, 2015
* Nominated for Ballon D'Or (2006)
* Nominated for Puskas Award (2014)
