Seamus Coleman said his goodbyes to Everton after more than 17 years of sterling service following Sunday's Premier League game against Tottenham
Seamus Coleman(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Seamus Coleman has confirmed that prolonging his Republic of Ireland career was behind his decision to leave Everton this summer for more gametime elsewhere. Coleman said goodbye to Everton after more than 17 years of sterling service following the club’s last game of the season against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
The defender joined Everton for a bargain £60,000 in 2009 from Sligo Rovers and the club offered him a coaching role starting this summer. But Coleman revealed he intends to prolong his playing career and will consider his next move in June after a family holiday.
“I think if we’d got to a World Cup, maybe things would be different,” he admitted. “I think it was just a conversation with the manager on the bus, just after training one day, that got me thinking again.
“I spoke to the manager and he said if I can be fit and well and perform and he would like to have me around. So, as soon as the carrot of Ireland got dangled in front of me, that became a massive factor in my decisions.”
Coleman is currently away on international duty as Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side play Qatar tonight and Canada in Montreal next week as build-up for Euro 2028 begins, with Ireland one of the hosts for the competition.
However, the defender did admit that he was undecided on his future when he faced North Macedonia in a friendly in March just days after the World Cup play-off exit against Czechia.
He said: “It was possible, hence why I brought my kids out and I didn’t want to ever miss that opportunity. I’ve walked them out for Everton and I wanted to walk them out for Ireland, and again, you never know, so I wanted to walk my kids out.
Seamus Coleman and Nathan Collins following Ireland's draw with North Macedonia
Seamus Coleman and Nathan Collins following Ireland's draw with North Macedonia(Image: (Niall Carson/PA Wire))
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“But no, I wasn’t sure at that time really. I had a really honest and good conversation with the manager that definitely changed a few things for me.”
When asked about Carlo Ancelotti’s forecast that he could play until he is 40, Coleman replied: “If Carlo Ancelotti says it, then yeah. I know he said it, so I am not going to contradict him. He knows what he’s talking about!
“Listen, I have been unfortunate with some injuries, so maybe there is not as many miles on the clock as maybe some other 37 year olds.
“Physically, I do feel really good, I am not up and down like a 24-year-old, but I do feel really good, so again, I am not going to look as far ahead as 40.
Carlo Ancelotti speaks to Seamus Coleman(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
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“But it is going to be a nice summer to sit down, relax, see how I feel, reflect and see where we go from there. I have a responsibility to stay fit and stay active and to be performing, because it is not a given, of course.
“That is why I am not dead set on what I am going to do, I am going to take my holiday and see what’s out there. But the carrot of the Euros and the manager at the moment wanting me to be around is definitely very tempting.”
Coleman also admitted he couldn’t wait to leave Everton in the end due to all the "fuss" made about him. The right-back received a guard of honour by his team-mates following his final appearance at Hill Dickinson Stadium and his final training session.
Seamus Coleman of Everton acknowledges the fans with his family during the Premier League match between Everton and Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium on May 17, 2026
Seamus Coleman acknowledges fans with his family following his final Everton apperance at Hill Dickinson Stadium(Image: Getty Images)
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He also received the prestigious Howard Kendall Award at the club’s end-of-season awards ceremony and was presented with the famous 'Everton Football Club' sign that adorned the tunnel at Goodison Park.
But he admitted: “I was glad to get out of there in the end, to be honest, because I don’t really necessarily like all that fuss being made.
“But it was really nice from the staff and the players, and it was a nice moment at the last training session to see my wife and kids waiting for me at the end of the guard of honour. It was lovely.
“Ultimately, that’s why I do everything for them, so it was lovely. But yes, I’m happy to get away and get out on the training pitch and enjoy getting on the green shirt.”
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