Everton captain Seamus Coleman has committed his future to the club, signing a one-year contract extension on Friday. The 36-year-old Ireland international cited the opportunity to lead the Toffees into their new stadium as a primary motivation for continuing his long association with the Merseyside club.
The new deal was inked just three days before his previous contract was set to expire. Coleman, who was forced off with a thigh injury during Everton’s final game at Goodison Park last month, is expected to regain full fitness in time for the start of next season.
“Thanks to the hard work of many people, we’ve been able to get into our magnificent new stadium and pave the way for a brighter future under ambitious new owners (Friedkin Group), which I want to be part of,” Coleman stated, expressing his enthusiasm for the club’s evolving landscape.
Coleman’s journey with Everton began in 2009 when he joined from Sligo Rovers during David Moyes’ initial spell as manager. Moyes, who returned for a second stint in January, successfully guided Everton to a 13th-place finish last season.
The veteran defender spoke highly of his manager: “In David Moyes, we have the perfect manager to lead us into a new era. He showed his abilities once again with the way he had us playing after returning last season. As the man who brought me to Everton, I can’t speak highly enough of him. He gets this football club, the standards required every day, and what it means to play for Everton.”
Coleman holds the club record for the most Premier League appearances, with 369 to his name. He also stands joint 12th on Everton’s all-time appearances list across all competitions, having played 428 matches, just five shy of club legends Dixie Dean and Leon Osman.
Moyes echoed the sentiment regarding Coleman’s importance: “This could be a period of real change at the Club and I want somebody who can help deliver the messages of what it means to be an Everton footballer. Seamus has always done that and I know he will continue to do so as we move into a new era.”
Everton are set to kick off their new league campaign away at Leeds United on August 18th.
