Seamus Coleman has been without a club since he left Everton at the end of last season after 17 years on Merseyside
Seamus Coleman
Seamus Coleman (Image: (Matt McNulty/Getty Images))
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Seamus Coleman stopped short of fully announcing his retirement - but admitted he is 'edging towards' calling time on his playing career. Coleman has been without a club since he left Everton at the end of last season after 17 years on Merseyside.
The Republic of Ireland international was subsequently offered a coaching position by David Moyes but stressed at the time that he wished to continue playing. However, he remains without a club after training with Sheffield United during the summer, and he has now given the strongest indication that he is set to call time on his playing career.
"I had hopes and ambitions of maybe possibly staying playing on," Coleman told Jamie Carragher on the latest episode of The Overlap Fan Debate.
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"The longer I've been off and the more I've been around the family, we've been back home for Halloween break with the kids, the more I'm content with what I'm doing at the minute."
Asked whether he was officially retiring from the sport, Coleman replied: "I don't want to completely draw a line in the sand, as I said I've been keeping fit. But it's edging towards that way - and happily as well.
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"Regarding what's next, I've been enjoying family time. I'm doing this [punditry] now and seeing if I enjoy it and see how it goes."
When confirming his departure back in May, Coleman said: “After more than 17 years at this great football club, I've decided this season will be my last as a player here.
Seamus Coleman has brought the curtain down on his Everton career
Seamus Coleman brought the curtain down on his Everton career back in May(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Everton boss David Moyes
“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.
“I also thank my managers, teammates and all the staff at Everton. They've seen me happy, sad, angry, emotional, but the greater cause has always been Everton. Thank you for making me a better captain and teammate. It’s an incredible football club with incredible people.
“Obviously, after such a big decision, I want to have some time over the summer to focus on what's next for me and my family. My love for Everton is something you all know about – and I've got a huge love for Ireland as well.
“The club have been unbelievable with me. They've offered me an opportunity to stay on at the club. The manager and staff have been great, and I think with it being such an important decision over my future, I'm going to take a nice, long holiday and look back on what has been an amazing time as an Everton footballer.”