SEAMUS Coleman turns 38 in October but age is only a number and the evergreen Donegal native doesn’t rule out signing for a new Premier League club after he parted company with Everton after 17 years on Merseyside.
There is speculation that newly-promoted Coventry, managed by Frank Lampard who has spoken of his admiration for Coleman in the past, could move for the Killybegs-born full-back but he says his club future is still up in the air.
However, he is certain that he still has a lot more to give for his next club and, as always, his country.
“I’ve not played regularly in the Premier League for the last couple of years really but I feel fine,” he said.
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“I feel like I could have played more times this season. Physically, I feel fine.
“It was very unfortunate against Man United after the two Ireland games. I came back and we had a few big training sessions, then I played against Man United and had to come off after 10 minutes which was unfortunate.
“I think as you get older, everyone’s picking up injuries no matter what age they are but as they get older it can look a bit worse for you.
“But I felt fine this year. Maybe I’m foolish but I still feel like I can compete at a very good level.”
Everton were keen to move Coleman into a coaching role but he is determined to keep playing and remain in the Ireland frame for the European Championships in 2028. The popular Donegal man will not be short of offers and says his mind will be made up by the one that “feels right”.
“I’ve always kind of worked on feeling and it’s not like saying I wouldn’t play in this league or that league,” he said.
“It’s about staying active, staying fit and staying at a level that I can play for Ireland but of course family is at the forefront of that and my wife and my kids who have sacrificed a lot for me to do my career and it’s important that I take them into account as well but they’ve supported me and my wife has supported me from day one and she will continue to support me if I go on to play again.
“We’ll see. I’ve not been in this position before really so I’m not sure where it all stands at the minute.
“But I’m excited to see what could be next.”
Seamus Coleman slides in to tackle Michal Sadilek of Czechia. (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)
Seamus Coleman slides in to tackle Michal Sadilek of Czechia during the Republic's World Cup semi-final play-off. (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)(Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)
In the immediate future, Coleman’s focus is on representing his country (and moving to 81 caps) against Qatar in Dublin on Thursday night and then Canada in Montreal on June 6 (12.30am Ireland time).
“I want to see how I feel in these games and see what opportunities are out there,” he said.
“The carrot of playing for Ireland is unbelievable. You can never take for granted putting on the green shirt. It means so much to me.
“Why would I give up the possibility of a few more caps when the 17-year-old me would never turn down a cap for Ireland.
“Why give up now when maybe I feel like I could still get a few more caps for my country? Yeah, I know I’m repeating myself but I’ve a lot of thinking time over the summer but, yeah, there’s a huge drive and want to keep representing Ireland.”