Tim Cahill's incredible gesture for last Socceroos fans

Tim Cahill has thanked Australian football fans for their support until the very end – literally.

After his cameo final appearance for the Socceroos in a 3-0 win over Lebanon in Sydney, the nation’s greatest goalscorer never wanted to call it a night.

Cahill was substituted on to the field at 9.30pm, the full-time whistle blew 10 minutes later and his lap of honour began just about on the stroke of 10pm.

It lasted more than two hours, with the Socceroos legend and a family flanked by security for his last selfies and autographs.

The late night won’t have made it easier for Cahill to fly back to India for a game with Jamshedpur FC on the weekend, but it was all worth it.

“I’m still taking it all in, I’m embracing it,”‘ he told the media who spoke to him while he was still out on the ground.

“It’s everything you could dream of or wish for as a footballer at the end of your career as an international.

“Even leading into it I was really proud, really happy and content because I know everything I’ve ever done for my country has been for the right reasons, it’s not just about scoring.”

Cahill couldn’t score a 51st international goal, though on one occasion he came very close.

An inviting cross looked destined to find his head, before Lebanon defender Kassem Al Zein spoilt the moment by getting a glancing touch which flicked the ball away from the Socceroos veteran.

At least 10 minutes before he came on just after the 80th minute, the crowd chanted ‘We want Timmy’.

His name got the loudest reception when the team was announced before the game and any shot of him on the scoreboard also generated a huge cheer.

Just before the end of the game even a Lebanon fan wanted to show his appreciation for Cahill, charging onto the ground and making a beeline for the 38-year-old before security pulled him away.

with AAP