Seamus Coleman has announced his playing career at the Club spanning more than 17 years will come to an end when his contract expires next month.
A modern-day icon, Coleman is deeply loved by fans, teammates, and staff alike, having earned widespread praise for his leadership and attitude both on and off the pitch. The legendary defender already holds the Club record for the most Premier League appearances with 372.
Should the right-back feature in Sunday’s final home match against Sunderland, it will mark his 434th appearance in all competitions, moving him past Dixie Dean and Leon Osman into 10th place on Everton’s all-time appearances list.
Coleman, who has worn the armband on 140 occasions, said in a statement on evertonfc.com: “After more than 17 years at this great football club, I’ve decided this season will be my last as a player here.
“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.”
Reflecting on a journey that began when he crossed the Irish Sea as a young hopeful from Sligo Rovers, Coleman added: “Coming over here as a 20-year-old from Sligo Rovers to a reserve team, I was just hoping to impress enough to get on the bench. To think I’ve gone on to make the most Premier League appearances for Everton and to become captain of this great football club – it was beyond my wildest dreams.
“This will always be my football club. I’m glad I’ve been here for so long that I can say I have a team that I will support for the rest of my life. My family, here and back in Ireland, are Evertonians for life. There’s something special about that, knowing in the years to come we’ll still always be supporting Everton.
“This will always be my club. Thank you for letting me be part of it for more than 17 years.”
