Séamus Coleman will end his distinguished 17-year career with Everton when his contract expires next month, but he has yet to decide whether his playing days are over.
The Everton captain, famously signed for £60,000 from Sligo Rovers in January 2009, has been hampered by injuries in recent years and has announced that this season will be his last as a player with the club. Everton have offered the 37-year-old a coaching role but he is considering continuing with another club and with the Republic of Ireland.
Coleman has made 433 appearances for Everton, including a club-record 372 in the Premier League. He will overtake the legendary William Ralph “Dixie” Dean and Leon Osman into 10th place on the club’s all-time appearance list should he feature in the final home game of the season, against Sunderland on Sunday.
“After more than 17 years at this great football club, I’ve decided this season will be my last as a player here,” Coleman said. “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.
“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.”
Coleman was signed by David Moyes during his first spell as Everton manager and has been a huge influence on and off the pitch, particularly during the club’s relegation battles. Injuries have restricted the popular defender to only seven starts during the past two campaigns – he has featured more for his country this season – but his leadership is valued highly by Moyes.
“It’s virtually impossible to put into words what I think of Séamus Coleman and the impact he’s had,” said the Everton manager. “It has been a genuine privilege to watch him grow as a player, a leader, and a man. I know it’s going to be incredibly difficult to replace the characteristics Séamus brings to this club. His influence behind the scenes is hard to measure and explain. He’s hugely respected by everyone, and we will miss his presence, on and off the pitch.
“He deserves to have a special place in the club’s history, but also in the hearts of every Evertonian because he embodies everything this club stands for every time he pulls on the shirt. I must also give huge credit to the people who were instrumental in bringing Séamus here in the first place. To sign a player for £60,000 from Ireland, and to see him go on to make well over 400 appearances in the first team, demonstrates just how important good recruitment is.
“We wish Séamus all the very best in whatever he decides to do next, and he knows there will always be a place here for him if he chooses to return in the future.”