Everton captain Coleman to end playing career this season

Everton captain Seamus Coleman announced Friday that he will conclude his playing career with the club at the end of the current season, when his contract expires after more than 17 years at Goodison Park.

The 37-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who joined from Sligo Rovers in January 2009 for 60,000 pounds, has become a club legend. He holds the record for most Premier League appearances for Everton with 372, surpassing Tim Howard's mark of 354 last year. Those outings include 22 goals and 24 assists. Coleman, named captain in 2019, has worn the armband 140 times and sits ninth on the club's all-time appearances list with 433 games across all competitions. A appearance in Sunday's final home match against Sunderland would push that total to 434, moving him ahead of Dixie Dean and Leon Osman.

Injuries have limited Coleman this season to three Premier League outings, including just 10 minutes in his only start, a victory at Manchester United in November. Despite his reduced role on the pitch, his leadership has remained vital during periods of club turmoil, including relegation fights.

Coleman, who holds a UEFA B coaching license, briefly served as interim coach...