Sunderland travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the second time this season when they face Everton on Sunday.
Everton stalwart Seamus Coleman will wave an emotional farewell to Toffees supporters in Sunday’s home game with Sunderland after confirming he is bringing an end to his playing career at the end of the season.
The 79-times capped Republic of Ireland international has joined the Toffees from Sligo Rovers for a surprisingly modest fee of just £60,000 in January 2009 and has gone on to over 370 appearances for the club over the last 17 years. However, just five of those appearances have come this season and Coleman’s only Premier League start came in a 1-0 at Manchester United in November when he suffered an injury just ten minutes into the game.
Despite a lack of involvement during the current campaign, Coleman will hold high esteem with Everton supporters after providing them with stellar service throughout his time in blue - and the full-back revealed the feeling is mutual in an emotional statement.
He told the club website: “After more than 17 years at this great football club, I've decided this season will be my last as a player here. I want to thank the fans for their unbelievable support. You've helped me in more ways than you could imagine. I've always tried my best to put Everton Football Club first and you all mean the world to me. I live in the city – I see you all daily – and I’ve taken your love of the Football Club back into the dressing room to explain to the lads how much Everton means to the people.”
Former Sunderland manager David Moyes quickly turned his thoughts towards how he will replace everything Coleman has brought on and off the pitch during his lengthy spell on the blue half of Merseyside.
He said: “I know it’s going to be incredibly difficult to replace the characteristics Seamus brings to this Club. His influence behind the scenes is hard to measure and explain. He’s hugely respected by everyone, and we will miss his presence, on and off the pitch. He deserves to have a special place in the Club’s history, but also in the hearts of every Evertonian because he embodies everything this Club stands for every time he pulls on the shirt.
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