Seamus Coleman of Everton has hinted that he may stay with Everton for the following season after confirming that he's happy to have been offered a new deal and will think about his decision.
Coleman, 34, has made over 363 appearances for the Toffees since signing from League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers in 2009, but there has been speculation that his time at Everton might be over.
Last year, near the end of the Premier League season, the Ireland captain suffered a serious injury and has only made 11 appearances for the club this season. It's been assumed that Coleman, the club captain, would either retire or move on at the end of this campaign. Coleman’s current contract, coincidentally, also expires this summer.
However, Coleman has claimed that there have been talks over him staying at Goodison Park and that he will also think about it in the next few days.
Speaking to EvertonTV, the Donegal native said, "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, and 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.”
"I'm happy to have been offered something and I'll have a think. This football club means everything to me and it's hard to walk away from something you love."
Captain Coleman gives an update on his future... 💙 pic.twitter.com/NbdNGcj8Qy— Everton (@Everton) May 13, 2024
Everton this year have been hit with two separate point deductions in their bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League. After winning five consecutive Goodison home matches without conceding a goal, they ensured their safety a number of weeks ago.
Coleman has praised the Everton support in the midst of the ongoing sagas that have hit the club this season. He has also given special mention to the players for avoiding the noise and getting through the storms.
“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-point 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 bad, they’re such a passionate fan base. There’s absolutely no getting away from the fact that these supporters have played a massive part in us staying up.”
Everton's final game of the season will be against Arsenal this coming weekend.