Abdoulaye Doucoure appeared to be emotional after leaving the field during Everton's last Premier League game at Goodison Park
Comments
Sport
Abdoulaye Doucoure in tears after Everton substitution
Abdoulaye Doucoure appeared to leave the Goodison Park pitch in tears after being withdrawn against Southampton. The midfielder, who is out of contract in the summer, waved to all four stands of the ground before wiping his eyes and making his way off the pitch.
His future has not yet been detailed by the club but his exit midway through the second half had the hallmarks of an emotional goodbye.
Doucoure has written his name into club folklore since joining from Watford, his goals under Sean Dyche and David Moyes having proved valuable to pulling the club to safety through the turbulence of recent years.
READ MORE: Everton vs Southampton LIVE - score, Iliman Ndiaye goals, Goodison Park last game streamREAD MORE: Everton captain Seamus Coleman 'will be devastated' after emotional moment - 'one of the toughest decisions'
His stunning half-volley against Bournemouth was the difference between survival and relegation two seasons ago while his absence through injury last year coincided with the winless run that threatened to derail the campaign.
Doucoure has been outspoken about his contract situation in recent weeks with uncertainty over whether he would reach a new deal with the club. Everton had let the opportunity to extend his stay on its existing terms pass by, suggesting he would, at best, be offered a reduced package.
Everton expect to confirm the futures of those players out of contract this week. On Saturday, the club announced three of those players, Ashley Young, Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic, would leave this summer.