Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin has shared an emotional goodbye to Goodison Park
Comments
Sport
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has taken to social media to say an emotional goodbye to Goodison Park. The 28-year-old, who joined for £1.5million from his home city club Sheffield United in 2016, is the Blues’ third-highest Premier League scorer having netted 57 times in 239 matches, and has 71 goals in 273 games in all competitions.
However, after registering just three times this season, the England international’s Everton future is currently uncertain. After letting his contract – which expires this summer – run down, Calvert-Lewin was widely expected to depart on a Bosman-style free transfer.
But speaking in an interview with BBC Sport earlier this month, the Yorkshireman gave his clearest indication yet that he would be willing to extend his time on Merseyside.
READ MORE: Everton questions remain unanswered as captain's selfless act speaks volumesREAD MORE: Sylvester Stallone sends Goodison Park message as Everton legend delights with return
He said: “With the new manager coming in the club is moving in the right direction, there’s a new stadium and there’s a lot to be positive about. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?”
Calvert-Lewin picked up a hamstring injury in the 1-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion on January 25, David Moyes’ first away game since returning as Everton manager.
But having returned to fitness, he has come off the bench in the last three matches with a 15-minute run-out at the end of Goodison Park’s final fixture, the 2-0 victory over Southampton, his longest cameo since returning.
Writing on Instagram, he displayed two photographs of himself seated at Goodison Park and said: “The first pic by far my most emotional night at Goodison (Palace game), second pic just one from the archives and one of many.
The two images of himself that Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin shared on his farewell to Goodison Park Instagram post
The two images of himself that Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin shared on his farewell to Goodison Park Instagram post
“To be the last player to wear the 9 at Goodison after so many greats before me is something that I’ll forever cherish, a pleasure and a privilege. Memories that will last a lifetime, thank you Goodison Park.”
Calvert-Lewin is one of a number of players whose contracts expire at the end of the season. The Blues have already confirmed that veteran full-back Ashley Young and goalkeepers Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic will be leaving when their current deals expire on June 30.
Blues boss Moyes said before the win over Southampton: “This is a complicated situation in many respects, with so many players out of contract this summer. It’s important to me to speak with all of those players, individually, to give them clarity on their situations.
“Lots of factors influence our decision-making and we’re currently working through that process with the players, which takes time. Some will have clarity by the end of this week, and for others it may get to next week, but it’s important it’s handled in the right way.
“We also have five players on loan and we will let them know their situations in due course.”