Everton fans are all saying the same thing about Seamus Coleman after his bold announcement that was released by the club earlier today.
Rumours have been rife surrounding the captain’s future, given his contract expires just next month.
Many pondered whether he might continue his career, given the 35-year-old has endured a season wrought with injury issues.
However, the love he has for this club is unparalleled, and that was shown with beautiful poignancy in the speech he made on the pitch after Saturday’s game.
Everton fans react to Seamus Coleman’s announcement
Released by the club earlier today, the Republic of Ireland international was as emotional and open as you would imagine.
He has always shared a special relationship with Evertonians, and having spent well over a decade at Goodison Park now, is one of them himself.
So, to have to make the tough decision regarding his future and his ability to continue playing at this level must be heartbreaking.
He would tell Everton’s official website: ‘The Club means everything to me. I suppose I live and breathe it like everyone else. It’s been a hell of a ride – the last two or three years – and it’s not a case that you just turn up for work, go home and forget about it.
‘You live and breathe it, and it’s been tough. But I absolutely love this football club, I love this stadium. We’ve got another year here at Goodison, so I’m happy to have been offered something and I’ll have a think.
‘This football club means everything to me and, as I said before when I signed my last contract, it is hard to walk away from something you love.’
This prompted fans to react in a similar fashion.
Meanwhile, one notable name in Benj Winstanley, who runs the A View from the Bullens podcast, would write: ‘Closest we’ve got to being a “legend” in my generation. One more year and a trophy in Goodison’s last year.’
His co-host, Lee McClean, echoed that sentiment: ‘My God I love this man. Future Everton manager.’
Prominent Everton fan site The Toffee Blues rounded off the adulation by simply writing: ‘Icon. Legend. Toffee.’
Seamus Coleman has to sign a new deal
Coleman is certainly worth another year, even if he spends it as a rotation option when needed.
After all, at 35 years of age, he was never going to be re-signing to play week in, week out.
He is a remarkable voice around the changing rooms, and everyone who meets him speaks volumes of the quality of his character alongside his ability.
He has more than earned one last year, in Goodison Park’s final year too. It will mark a fine send-off, hopefully capped off with a trophy too.
