As Abdoulaye Doucoure prepares to bid farewell to Everton, he appears eager to set the record straight. The midfielder, heavily linked with a move to Elland Road, has taken to social media to address claims about his value to the team.
The reported Leeds United transfer target confirmed his departure from the Blues after a five-season stint yesterday. Despite being offered a new contract by the club, the 32-year-old has opted to pursue a fresh challenge from the 2025-26 season.
Since joining Everton under Carlo Ancelotti's management, Doucoure has been a vital component of the team, effortlessly adapting to various midfield roles. In recent years, he has been deployed in more advanced positions, contributing crucial goals to the club's cause.
Notably, Doucoure scored the winner against AFC Bournemouth in 2023, ensuring Everton's Premier League survival on the final day of the campaign.
Although his goal-scoring form has dipped in the past couple of seasons, Doucoure still managed to make an impact this season, netting the fastest goal in Goodison Park history during the 4-0 thrashing of Leicester and scoring a stoppage-time winner at Nottingham Forest, reports the Liverpool Echo.
As he prepares to move on, Doucoure has dismissed the notion that his influence at Everton has significantly waned, responding to online claims on Wednesday. A post suggested that David Moyes aims to overhaul the Blues squad, shifting from "'moments' players to consistent players".
It continued: "Doucoure a key example, shows up for big moments but is anonymous and ineffective most weeks."
Doucoure hit back at critics, saying: "I think if I was so ineffective I [would not] have played most of the games I've played for the club as the starter. So stop this nonsense and telling lies to people."
The Everton midfielder's commitment to the team is undeniable, as evidenced by his emotional reaction to being substituted during the victory against Southampton. Tears streamed down his face amidst the post-match festivities celebrating the men's team's last match at Goodison Park.
Doucoure's heartfelt goodbye video to fans on Tuesday only further highlighted his deep connection with the club. "I will miss the fans, I will miss the football club," he shared. "I just wanted them to know that I gave everything, every single time in training and in games."
He continued to express his pride in representing Everton: "I was always proud to wear the shirt. I was always proud to play at Goodison Park."
Doucoure concluded with a message of dedication and farewell: "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."
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