Next season, Everton's captain will be 'legend' Seamus Coleman (37). He has decided to continue his journey with Everton, where he has spent an impressive 16 years.

Everton announced on the 27th (Korea time) via the club's website, "Captain Coleman has signed a new contract. He will continue to lead the club under a one-year contract until the end of June 2026."

Everton explained, "Right-back Coleman transferred to Everton in January 2009 for a fee of £60,000 (about 112 million won) when David Moyes was appointed manager. He is set to extend his Blues career into the 17th season."

Coleman is a legend for both the Ireland national team and Everton. Having played 73 international matches, he holds the Premier League appearance record at Everton with 396 matches and has scored 28 goals and provided 29 assists in a total of 428 matches across all competitions in an Everton uniform. This ranks him joint 12th on the club's all-time appearance list.

Born in 1988, Coleman donned the Everton uniform ahead of the 2009-2010 season. After returning from a loan at Blackpool, he made a significant impact as a regular player. Alternating between right midfielder and right back, he established his presence in the team. In the 2013-2014 season, he scored seven league goals and was named to the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Team of the Year.

After suffering from injury setbacks, Coleman managed to bounce back and has consistently performed well. Even after entering his 30s, he maintained his presence on Everton's right flank and helped prevent the team's relegation in the 2022-2023 season. Last season, he briefly took on the role of interim manager in place of the prematurely dismissed Sean Dyche.

Coleman, who will take on the captain's armband again next season, stated, "Because I love Everton, continuing to play at this special club means everything to me and my family. Like the passionate fans, I have lived through the club's difficult times over the past few years. I have poured my heart and soul into overcoming adversities."

Coleman also remarked, "Thanks to the hard work of many people, we will enter a magnificent new stadium. Under our ambitious new owner, we were able to pave the way for a brighter future. I am happy to have the opportunity to be part of that."

Coleman committed, "It is widely known that there will be many new faces this summer. I want to help them adapt as quickly as possible. After a disappointing time last season due to injuries, I will train hard and strive to play as much as possible. I will focus on contributing to Everton in every way I can."

He also expressed gratitude to Manager Moyes, saying, "Moyes is the perfect manager to lead us into a new era. He showed his capabilities again after returning last season. He is the person who brought me to Everton. I cannot praise him enough. Moyes knows the standards that are required at this club and what it means to play at Everton. He cares about the club as much as I do."

Manager Moyes also paid tribute to his 'favorite disciple,' Coleman. He said, "Seamus is more than just a player for Everton. He provides a variety of qualities. His leadership, professionalism, and humanity are second to none. Seamus has helped the club overcome difficult times in recent years. His influence in the locker room has been central to that."

Finally, Manager Moyes stated, "Seamus has gone through some very difficult injuries but has overcome them. At the same time, he has been helpful in motivating the locker room. This season could truly be a time of change for the club. I want someone who can tell what it means to be an Everton player. Seamus has always done that, and I know he will continue to do so as we move into a new era."

[Photo] Everton social media.

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