Australia legend Tim Cahill was hugged by a pitch invader as he marked his final appearance for the Socceroos with a 3-0 win over Lebanon.
The crowd at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium were on their feet as Cahill entered the fray for the final 10 minutes of the friendly to mark the end of his 108-cap career.
Yet one fan took things even further as he raced onto the pitch to hug Cahill before being ushered away by stewards to allow the game to continue.
Cahill came close to fairytale end to his international career, missing a late header which would have been his 51st goal for the Socceroos.
He nonetheless retires as arguably the most successful player in the history of Australian football and an iconic figure for fans of the sport.
Tributes were paid to the 38-year-old former Millwall and Everton player from fans and media members alike.
One fan wrote: “The best Socceroos player there will ever be thanks for everything Timmy”.
Australian TV presenters Melanie McLaughlin and Adam Peacock were also amongst those to praise his impact on the sport.
It was an emotional send-off for Cahill in Sydney, who marked the occasion with a $50,000 donation to the John Moriarty Foundation for Aboriginal children in remote communities.
He will continue his club career with Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC.
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