“You all mean the world to me” — Seamus Coleman announces end of his Everton playing career

Seamus Coleman has announced that he will call time on his Everton career at the end of the season.

Coleman has spent more than 17 years with the Toffees after arriving from Sligo Rovers in 2009, a £60,000 bargain that has long been celebrated.

The Irishman has made more Premier League appearances for Everton than any other player, and has captained the side on 140 occasions since inheriting the armband from Phil Jagielka. 

Coleman's latter period with the club has been impacted by injuries and a decision has now been made to depart when his contract expires in the summer.

He has played only 12 minutes of Premier League football this season, and has started only 10 league games across the last three seasons. Sunday's game against Sunderland will be his final home fixture as an Everton player.

“After more than 17 years at this great football club, I've decided this season will be my last as a player here," he said to evertonfc.com.

“I want to thank the fans for their unbelievable support. You've helped me in more ways than you could imagine. I've always tried my best to put Everton Football Club first and you all mean the world to me. I live in the city – I see you all daily – and I’ve taken your love of the Football Club back into the dressing room to explain to the lads how much Everton means to the people.

“I also thank my managers, teammates and all the staff at Everton. They've seen me happy, sad, angry, emotional, but the greater cause has always been Everton Football Club. Thank you for making me a better captain and teammate. It’s an incredible football club with incredible people.

“Obviously, after such a big decision, I want to have some time over the summer to focus on what's next for me and my family. My love for Everton is something you all know about – and I've got a huge love for Ireland as well.

“The Club have been unbelievable with me. They've offered me an opportunity to stay on at the Football Club. The manager and staff have been great, and I think with it being such an important decision over my future, I'm going to take a nice, long holiday and look back on what has been an amazing time as an Everton footballer.”

 

 

---

Reader Comments (5)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()

How to get rid of these ads and support TW