The 42

SÉAMUS COLEMAN SAYS he is now “edging towards” retirement having initially intended to extend his football career following his departure from Everton.

The 38-year-old defender and long-serving Ireland captain left the club in May after a 17-year Premier League career with The Toffees, having famously joined from Sligo Rovers for £60,000 (around €70,000) in 2009.

Coleman was offered a coaching role by Everton ahead of his departure but declined it, preferring instead to continue playing elsewhere this season.

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson had also expressed his wish for national-team skipper Coleman to continue playing with a view to contributing towards his side’s Euro 2028 campaign, with the Donegal man having put in inspired displays in World Cup qualifying victories over Portugal and Hungary last November.

However, speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate on Disney+, Killybegs native Coleman told Jamie Carragher that he was beginning to increasingly enjoy both his family and professional life away from the field, and that he may soon choose to hang up the boots altogether.

“I had hopes and ambitions of maybe possibly staying playing on,” Coleman said.

“The longer I’ve been off and the more I’ve been around the family, we’ve been back home for Halloween break with the kids, the more I’m content with what I’m doing at the minute.”

Asked by Carragher if he was leaning towards retirement, Coleman responded: “I don’t want to completely draw a line in the sand — as I said I’ve been keeping fit. But it’s edging towards that way — and happily as well.

“Regarding what’s next, I’ve been enjoying family time. I’m doing this (punditry) now and seeing if I enjoy it and see how it goes.”

Right-back Coleman earned 81 caps for Ireland following his senior debut in 2011.

He played 435 times for Everton, scoring 28 goals.

Written by Gavan Casey and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.