Seamus Coleman has signed a new deal at Everton, which will see him remain at the club as they bid farewell to their iconic Goodison Park ground throughout the 2024-25 Premier League season.
The Ireland captain will play his 16th season with the Liverpool club who avoided relegation from the top tier following a tough campaign, which saw Sean Dyche's side overcome a points deduction to maintain their status.
Coleman only played 12 times for the club throughout an injury-hit season, however, he ended the campaign in full fitness, playing both of Ireland's June internationals against Hungary and Portugal.
Everton are set to move from Goodison to their new stadium on the banks of the River Mersey, which should be completed for the start of the 2025-26 season.
"Everyone knows what Everton means to me, and I'm very proud and honoured to sign a new contract and to keep playing for this special club in the best league in the world," Coleman told evertontv.
"It’s hard to believe it’s going to be our last season at Goodison, such a special place to me and every Evertonian. Of course, I want to be part of that.
"I still feel I can do a job for this football club on and off the pitch. This being our last season at Goodison is a nice way to go into the campaign but I wouldn’t have signed the contract if I didn’t feel capable of contributing to the team.
"I’ve just played two matches for my country. I feel good and I want to help the lads on the pitch. I’m still enjoying it so what better place to do that than at the club you love?
"I think the manager steadied that ship massively last season with our performances. I just want to be part of that and to continue to be a part of this football club.
"I've said this a few times – it feels like a little bit of the old Everton has come back with the old-school principles and the demands on each other.
"You saw the progress we made last season as a result. Massive credit has to go to the manager for that.
"The challenges this squad has faced has brought a real togetherness. It was something I enjoyed being part of and something we can definitely use going into the new season to move forward.
"I’ll never stop making lads understand what this football club means to the people, either."
The popular 35-year-old defender moved to Merseyside from Sligo Rovers in January 2009 for £60,000.
Coleman holds the Everton record for most ever Premier League appearances (364), while his 422 matches in all competitions puts him 13th on the club’s all-time list, 11 behind Dixie Dean and Leon Osman in joint 10th.
"I'm creeping up on some Everton legends and it’s great company to be in if I can get into the top-10 player appearances," added Coleman. "It will be a proud achievement for someone who initially just wanted to come over here and make a first-team appearance!
"I’m just really looking forward to joining up with the squad and doing all I can again for Everton."
The right-back was appointed Everton captain in 2019 and has gone on to lead the Toffees 133 times – just 10 players have skippered the Blues more often – earning plaudits across football for his leadership qualities and passion for his club and country.
Manager Sean Dyche said: "From the day I became Everton manager, Seamus has been a great example to his team-mates and staff on what it means to play for the club.
"He is a model professional and helps set standards, and his leadership is rightly admired by everyone.
"His vast experience and know-how on the pitch will continue to be valuable qualities for us in the season ahead."
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