Official: Seamus Coleman leaves Everton this summer after his contract expires, ending 17 years.

Everton released a statement on Friday confirming that captain Seamus Coleman will leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old Coleman was born on the island of Ireland and began his professional career in October 2006 with Sligo Rovers. He has played for Everton since January 2009, making 433 appearances as a right-back, scoring 28 goals and providing 29 assists.

In the official farewell video, Coleman emotionally stated: "After more than 17 years at this great club, I have decided that this season will be my last as a player for Everton."

“Thank you for the incredible support from the fans. You have given me far more help than I could have imagined. I always try to put Everton first, and you mean a lot to me. I live in this city and see you every day. I bring your love for the club back to the dressing room and tell my teammates how important Everton is to people.”

“I also want to thank my coaches, teammates, and everyone at Everton. They have witnessed my joy, sadness, anger, and excitement, but most importantly, Everton Football Club. Thank you for making me a better captain and teammate. This is an extraordinary club with a great group of people.”

Coleman later revealed that he has not yet decided on his destination after leaving the team this summer: "After making such a big decision, I hope to use this summer to think carefully about my future and that of my family. Everyone knows how much I love Everton, but I also have a deep affection for Ireland."

“The club has always been very kind to me, and they offered me the opportunity to stay. The manager and staff have been fantastic. Considering this is an important decision about my future, I plan to enjoy a long break and reflect on my wonderful time as an Everton player.”

Looking back, Coleman was filled with emotion: "I came to Everton's reserve team from Sligo Rovers when I was 20 years old, hoping only to make the substitutes' list. I never imagined that I would later become Everton's most-capped player in the Premier League and also serve as the captain of this great club - all of this is far beyond my imagination."

“Everton will always be my club. I’m so grateful to have played here for so many years that I can say I have a team I will support for life. My family here in Ireland and I will always be Everton fans for life. We will continue to support Everton for many years to come.”

“This will always be my club,” Coleman concluded. “Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it for the past 17 years.”

Image source: Internet