Cahill starred in the recent World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Kyrgyzstan, but he is aware some people believe he is "getting on" and should hang up the Socceroos boots. However, he says his "consistency" speaks in his favour.

"It's about consistency," said Cahill from China. "Everyone keeps questioning 'When will Tim retire? When will Tim step down? But I think I've kept consistent and I've made sure that I'm one of the most outstanding performers every game and at every training session.

"I think I've shown that for Shanghai with my performance and the players have to do the same. Here, in China, it's taken me eight months to be massive influence along with Demba [Ba] and 'Momo' [Mohamed Sissoko].

"In the national team I've been displaying consistency for over 10 years. People want the next Australian superstar made in a minute but if you're not displaying consistency on a regular basis you can't expect it."

Cahill said he wasn't fazed by those who've suggested "it's time" by pointing out the stats sheets support his personal belief he's in a purple patch.

"When you put my stats down on paper you'll see it's been very consistent club form and international form," he said. "This year has been my most outstanding year with goals for the national team, playing minutes for my club and scoring goals for my club ... and there's potentially another piece of silverware [with the Chinese FA Cup].

"I have nothing to prove. You know when your time is up but, for me – nine goals in 12 games for my national team in the last year - I'll let that do the talking.

"[I've scored] 11-12 goals in 27 games for my domestic club and then there's the form shown on the pitch. When I play the stats are good and when I don't play I'm offering a lot off the park.

"Give them the facts to read. It's not really up to me to say whether I should stick around or not but sometimes things do speak for themselves. I let people write their reports but none of it hinders me whatsoever."

Cahill described the buzz in Shanghai before the Chinese FA Cup final against Jiangsu Sainty FC as electrifying. Apart from the sought-after silverware the triumphant team will also be rewarded with a place in next year's Asian Champions League.

"They've not been in the final for a [major title in 17-years] and now we're close to sealing something special," Cahill said. "Jiangsu Sainty FC come to our home after [our] disciplined performance – nil-all was a top result."

While Cahill has been busy off the field establishing his clothing range Cahill+ and promoting his best-selling book Legacy, he said the demands on him to perform for both Australia and Shanghai meant he could not risk dropping his standards on the training or playing pitch.

"It keeps you motivated, it keeps your standards very high," he said of the expectations. "A lot of people talk about the money in China but there's no money for any player if he's not doing well. I think the main focus is to show how hard I can work and bring my professionalism, it shows on the pitch because in eight months a lot has happened.

"They respect me a lot, they've seen what I've done in my career and what I have done domestically and internationally. It's me trying to simplify each moment.

"Something I've realised is my job isn't to silence critics, it's to make [football] a beautiful game and have people jump on board. I've got the fans, I'll always have them, that's all that matters."