Tim Cahill is a mortal among mere men at the New York Red Bulls according to some sections of the clubs supporters.
The Guardian ventured along to a recent MLS match involving the Red Bulls and learnt that the former Everton ace is a massive name at his new club.
Since his arrival at the Red Bull Arena from Merseyside in July 2012, Cahill has emerged as a fan favourite in New York and the collection of quotes from the fans only backs up that statement.
"He's only been here two seasons, but he's already written himself into the MLS history books in a big, big way," said one fan to the Guardian reporter.
More praise followed from Glenn Stamp, a long-time member of the Empire Supporters Club: "He's like Superman!"
Another said: "He's come over here and scored the goals when he needed to score them. Some players come over here for a vacation. Tim Cahill is a breath of fresh air. He's not just here to get a pay cheque. Not just to get a fancy meal in midtown Manhattan, or a fancy apartment in midtown Manhattan, but to win the whole thing. He bleeds the badge.
"When Cahill was leaving Everton - riding the pine a little bit, riding the bench, so he split with Everton, decided to come to MLS and the Red Bulls - they were asking him, 'Well why don't you sign with Tottenham or another Premier League side?' Cahill said, 'I could never play for another English side besides Everton.' And right there, when I read that statement - true or false, and I have to believe it's true - I knew that man's heart is in the right place."
Cahill vindicated all the positive words by leading the Red Bulls to the 2013 MLS Supporters' Shield with 11 goals (one more than Thierry Henry) but unfortunately his opening goal in the Eastern Conference semi-final first leg was not enough to see his club through against Houston Dynamo who saluted 4-3 on aggregate.
