Everton captain Seamus Coleman will leave the club at the end of this season after 17 years in Merseyside.
The 37-year-old signed in 2009 from Sligo Rovers for £60,000, and has went on to play more times in the Premier League than any other Everton player in history.
The Irishman has been offered a deal to stay on as part of David Moyes coaching staff, but will weigh up his options in the summer.
He told Everton’s official website: “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.”
Manager David Moyes signed Coleman in his first stint as Toffees manager, and the Scotsman spoke very highly of the man who has made 433 total appearances for Everton so far.
Moyes also told the website: “It’s virtually impossible to put into words what I think of Seamus Coleman and the impact he’s had at this Club.
“To represent Everton at the highest level for 17 years is a remarkable achievement and, speaking as his manager over two spells, 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 Seamus 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 Seamus 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 Seamus 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.”
Coleman’s farewell to the Evertonians could come in their final home clash of the season this Sunday to Sunderland, with a potential final ever appearance possibly coming away to Tottenham Hotspur the week after.
