Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman is mulling over the offer of a new contract from Everton, with his current deal to expire next month.
The 35-year-old, who signed a 12-month extension last summer, admits it will be hard to walk away from the club he joined in 2009.
"The club means everything to me," the Donegal native told the Toffees website. "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."
Everton are nearing the of another tumultuous season and one in which they received two points deductions for breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.
A strong run of form in recent weeks has seen them safe and Coleman recognised that the Everton fans have been through the mill.
"The last couple of weeks, we've been safe, but without the support this year and without the togetherness in the group – from players to the manager – it’s not to be underestimated what this group has done this season.
"Two points deductions – never heard of before. Everyone was writing us off. We’ve seen it all; all the noise.
"The group, to be fair, stuck together. I know we can test the patience of the fans at times, but this is a group I’m proud to be a part of for the way we responded to what has been a tough couple of years.
"Listen, for me, they’re the best fans in the world. Of course, they are and through good and good, they’re such a passionate fanbase. There’s absolutely no getting away from the fact these supporters have played a massive part in us staying up."
15 years after moving to Merseyside from Sligo Rovers, Coleman's status as a club icon is assured and he revealed that his love for Everton is shared by his family.
"They live and breathe it," he added. "My two girls love it. My little man is just getting into it now.
"Obviously, my wife has been with me since we've been 15, 16, so she’s a big Evertonian, as well.
"Family back home, Everton has taken over our life, and we couldn’t be at a better place. We live and breathe it – here and at home."
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