Seamus Coleman announced today that after his contract runs out at the end of the season, he will be retiring from professional football.
The Irish fullback spent 17 seasons with Everton, although the last few have been more characterized by an unfortunate string of injuries, after a run as one of the best right-backs in the history of the Premier League.
Coleman, of course, famously came over from his boyhood club, Sligo Rovers, for a mere £60,000 back in January of 2009, and outside of a short loan spell at Blackburn just after he arrived, he's only been an Everton player throughout his career.
He was a regular starter from 2010 until 2022, save for an injury-plagued 2017/18 campaign, but then the injuries really began to impact his ability to stay on the pitch. On top of that, Everton's brass were never able to find a suitable replacement for the defender.
That remains the case even as he calls it a career next month, as right back has often been a revolving door of uncertainty for the club. Jake O'Brien has generally stabilized the position over the last few seasons, but everyone knows he isn't a long-term option there.
Coleman's statement about his decision is pure Seamus:
""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.""Seamus Coleman
The right back holds the club record for Premier League appearances with 372, with 327 of them coming as a starter, and will finish his career with 22 goals and 24 assists, barring an unexpected opportunity to score before the season ends.
Everton manager David Moyes, who has coached Coleman on two different occasions, knows fully well what this moment means to both the player and the club's supporters.
Moyes noted that the opportunity "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," Moyes continued.
“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."
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