Seamus Coleman says it would be hard to walk away from Everton this summer and that he will “have a think” over his future before making a decision on a new one-year contract.
The Irishman’s current terms expire again this summer but he confirmed in interview with evertontv on the pitch after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United that he has been offered a new deal.
Coleman has spent 15 years at Everton after arriving from Sligo Rovers in a now famous £60,000 deal and surpassed both Tim Howard and Leon Osman this season to set a new record of Premier League appearances for the Toffees at 363 so far.
Injury and fitness issues have restricted the skipper to just six starts this season but as Everton enter a potentially hectic summer that may see a large number of players depart due to the Club’s financial struggles, he could provide a much-needed option on the pitch and a steadying influence off ir.
“The Club means everything to me,” the 35-year-old said. “I suppose I live and breathe it like everyone else. It’s been a hell of a ride the last two or three years, and it’s not a case that you just turn up for work, go home and forget about it.
“You live and breathe it, and it’s been tough. But I absolutely love this football club, I love this stadium. We’ve got another year here at Goodison, so I’m happy to have been offered something and I’ll have a think.
“This football club means everything to me and, as I said before when I signed my last contract, it is hard to walk away from something you love.”
It’s not just Seamus for whom the old adage “Once Everton has touched you, nothing will be same” holds true. His family have all become huge Evertonians on the back of his association with the Toffees.
“They live and breathe it,” Coleman said. “My two girls love it. My little man is just getting into it now. Obviously, my wife has been with me since we’ve been 15, 16, so she’s a big Evertonian, as well.
“Family back home… Everton has taken over our life, and we couldn’t be at a better place. We live and breathe it – here and at home.”