Leeds United-linked midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is on his way out of Everton. He emotionally announced his departure from the Premier League with a heartfelt video message to fans on social media, confirming the end of his five-year spell at Goodison Park as his contract draws to a conclusion on June 30 and the club opted against extending it.
In a candid chat with Toffee TV last week, Doucoure admitted he was holding out for a new offer but tension rose about his future following an emotional substitution at the season's final home game, hinting at his departure.
Doucoure's touching goodbye came through a 98-second clip on Instagram and X accounts, where he expressed: "Hi Evertonians, I just wanted to share this message with you that I'm going to leave the football club at the end of the season. After five wonderful years, my time at Everton has come to an end."
He went on to say: "Everton means a lot to me. Obviously the past five years have been hard. I will always my time as a dream for me to play for Everton Football Club. Obviously, I'm sad to leave the club after five wonderful years, but I think the time has come for a new chapter for me and the club as well and I will always be grateful for what the club did for me."
Doucoure reminisced about the joy of signing for Everton, highlighting his critical goal against Bournemouth as his most cherished memory which played a pivotal role in securing the club's Premier League status, reports the Liverpool Echo.
"I think this is something I'll always be proud of. It was a wonderful moment for me and my family, and for the club as well," he said. "I will miss the fans, I will miss the football club. I just wanted them to know that I gave everything, every single time in training and in games.
"I was always proud to wear the shirt. I was always proud to play at Goodison Park.
"I gave everything to win as many games as I could. I will just miss the place and I wish them all the best in the new stadium.
"Everton will always be part of my life now. I will be forever a Blue, I will always be supporting Everton and I hope they are going to have a bright future."
Premier League-bound United and Roma have been credited with an interest in Doucoure. The Whites are down in numbers in central midfielder, having released Josuha Guilavogui and seen Joe Rothwell return to Bournemouth.
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