Seamus Coleman confirms he will retire at the end of the season

Everton defender Seamus Coleman has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season, following 17 years with the Toffees. The full-back has confirmed that while his playing career with the club will come to an end this summer, he is set to become a coach with the team, staying at the club past this campaign.

Coleman joined Everton from Sligo Rovers back in 2009, for a transfer fee of £60,000. The transfer has gone down as one of the best pieces of business Everton has ever done, with their captain being vital to the football club over the last 17 years.

The defender has played 372 Premier League games for the Toffees, the most any player has played for the Merseyside club.

Upon the announcement, Coleman said, "After more than 17 years at this great football club, I've decided this season will be my last as a player here.

"I want to thank the fans for their unbelievable support. You've helped me in more ways than you could imagine. I've always tried my best to put Everton Football Club first, and you all mean the world to me."

Seamus Coleman will continue with the football club as a coach, which will be a great addition for the Merseyside outfit. Keeping a club legend in and around the team will help boost them further as they go into future seasons.

The Toffees currently find themselves in 10th place, but are four points off seventh with two games to go. While European football is not officially off the table, it will be difficult for them to sneak into those places, given their current spot.

David Moyes' side face Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur in their remaining league fixtures. Sunderland will travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend, and Everton will travel to London to face Spurs next week on the final day.