Socceroos forward Tim Cahill will play in the A-League next season, after being announced as the latest signing by Melbourne City.

Australia’s all-time highest goal scorer joined the club on a two-year playing deal before moving into the coaching ranks in 2019.

Cahill completed his medical last week at City’s sister-club, New York City FC, and is due to arrive in Australia in coming days.

Melbourne City said he would train with the squad for the first time next Monday.

Cahill told the club’s website he was incredibly excited to be coming to Melbourne and to help develop football in Australia.

“There is real ambition and purpose here, qualities that are immensely important to me,” he said.

“The club is completely attuned to the opportunity for the game in this country, investing significantly in facilities, the development of young players and in giving back at the grassroots level.

“For me that makes this the ideal place to be.”

The club did not say how much the deal was worth.

Cahill one of Australia’s ‘most loved’ sports stars

Cahill, 36, has long been seen as the crown-jewel capture for the A-League, and Australian football will finally see arguably history’s greatest Socceroo plying his trade in the domestic competition.

Tim Cahill has scored a record 47 goals for Australia. Photo: Getty

City had been in negotiation with the Socceroos forward for several months, with a major obstacle lifted when Football Federation Australia (FFA) allowed for guest stints from star players to last an entire season.

City was in prime position to snare Cahill’s signature due to it being bankrolled by oil-rich Premier League side Manchester City, allowing it to meet the player’s salary demands.

Chinese club Hangzhou Greentown did not take up the option to retain Cahill’s services after a season of struggle.

Melbourne City coach John van’t Schip said Cahill would be important part of the club’s success.

“The depth and breadth of his experience will be very important to us on the field and also in the dressing room,” he said.

“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.”