‘I don’t think me and Everton are finished’ – Coleman’s message to Toffees fans
Seamus Coleman has confirmed he will step away from Everton this summer in search of regular minutes, but the long-serving full-back insists his story with the club is far from over. After 17 years on Merseyside, the Republic of Ireland captain says he is ready to explore fresh challenges while keeping the door wide open for a future return.
“I’m ready to go and experience new things,” he explained, reflecting on a period that spanned multiple managers, European nights and countless derby battles. “I don’t think me and Everton are finished,” he added, framing his exit as a pause rather than a permanent goodbye. Coleman believes the club that became his second home will remain part of his long-term plans, potentially in a role off the pitch when the time is right. A former boss has already made it clear he’d welcome him back in a non-playing capacity.
Chasing minutes, chasing caps
At 35, Coleman’s next step is shaped by his determination to keep pulling on the green shirt. With 79 caps to his name, he wants to extend his international career—and he isn’t ruling out going all the way to Euro 2028, which will bring games to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. For now, though, he’s keeping his focus tight: finish the current international window, see how the body feels, and then make the big decisions.
There was a moment earlier this year when he wondered if his time with Ireland might already be done. Walking his children onto the pitch before the friendly with North Macedonia in March felt like a possible farewell. But a candid conversation with head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson reignited the flame, convincing Coleman to push on into the summer camp and reassess afterward.
“It’s not nailed down yet,” he admitted of his longer-term international future. “I want to see how I feel in these games and what opportunities are out there. Playing for Ireland is an unbelievable feeling—you can never take it for granted. Why would I give up the chance of a few more caps if I still feel I can contribute?”
Open to options, guided by family
Once Ireland complete their fixtures against Qatar and Canada, the veteran defender will turn to his club search in earnest. He hasn’t mapped out a destination—nor is he ruling out any particular league. What matters most, he says, is staying sharp and playing at a level that keeps him in the international picture.
Family, as ever, will be central to that decision. Coleman is mindful of the sacrifices made by his wife and children throughout his career, and any move will balance footballing ambition with what works at home. “I’ve not really been in this position before,” he said of entering the market as a free agent. “I’m excited to see what comes next.”
Still feeling strong
Although Coleman hasn’t been a regular Premier League starter in recent seasons, he rejects the idea that the top level is beyond him. Physically, he says, he feels good—and believes he could have featured more often this past campaign. An ill-timed hamstring issue against Manchester United last autumn, coming just after back-to-back Ireland matches against Portugal and Hungary, did not help his rhythm. It was a frustrating sequence: return, train well, start, then a twinge inside the opening 10 minutes.
He knows injuries can take on extra scrutiny as players get older, but he insists the hunger and competitiveness remain intact. “Maybe I’m foolish,” he said with a smile, “but I still feel like I can compete at a very good level.”
A goodbye that isn’t goodbye
For Everton supporters, Coleman’s message is layered with gratitude and reassurance. He speaks of a club that treated his family brilliantly and offered him opportunities that changed his life. Now he wants to broaden his horizons, learn new things, and gather experiences that could enrich a future return to the blue half of Merseyside.
“The club has been very good to me and my family. There are opportunities to learn for the next stage of my career. I don’t think me and Everton are finished.”
In the meantime, he’s locked in on the here and now: representing Ireland, adding to that cap tally, and keeping himself in the best possible shape for whatever comes next. Whether that next chapter unfolds in the Premier League or beyond, Coleman leaves Goodison with the same traits he brought in as a teenager—humility, fight, and a deep-rooted connection to the supporters. It’s not a farewell; it’s a see you later.
