Emerton, a midfielder, decided to leave Blackburn Rovers this month for Sydney FC after 11 years in Europe, a move Cahill said was the "biggest catch in the history of Australian football".
"For me, Brett Emerton is the heart and soul of the Australian team," Cahill told reporters ahead of the Socceroos' Asian World Cup qualifier against Thailand here on Friday.
"He's a player who goes about his business very quietly, he is the best player I have ever trained and worked with.
"To find out he has signed with Sydney FC -- that would have to be the biggest catch in the history of Australian football."
The Sydney club were "very clever" for brokering the deal, he added.
With Harry Kewell also back in the A-League at Melbourne Victory, Cahill refused to rule out following in their footsteps, but said a move will not be happening soon.
"Myself coming back soon I can't see it," he said.
"I am enjoying the (English) Premier League, and what it gives back to the kids in Australia as an ambassador.
"In the near future, no -- later on in life who knows."
Source: AFP
Source: AFP