“There was interest from numerous clubs.”
Seamus Coleman has explained why he has not left Everton despite interest in him from several clubs.
Coleman joined the Merseyside club from Sligo Rovers back in 2009. The full-back cost Everton just £60,000 and has proved incredible value for money.
Across 10 seasons, Coleman has made over 250 appearances, scoring 25 goals. He was voted into the PFA Team of the Year for his performances during the 2013/14 season and was linked with a move away from Goodison Park.
Manchester United were strongly linked with a transfer for the Ireland captain when David Moyes was the manager at Old Trafford. There were also rumours that Bayern Munich were keeping tabs on Coleman.
However, he has remained loyal to the club.
Ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s friendly with Northern Ireland, Coleman explained why he has never sought a move away from Everton.
“There was interest from numerous clubs but I never looked for a way out,” he told reporters in Dublin.
“I’m telling the truth here, whatever went on between clubs went on, but I’ve always been happy at Everton. You can look back and people can say, ‘you need to push on, win things and get to go to the top’.
“However, Everton took a chance by signing me from Sligo Rovers. Loyalty is not really a thing anymore in football, but I feel Everton have done a lot for me.
“To win one trophy, like an FA Cup, before I finish, would mean more to me than winning it somewhere else.”
Coleman’s contract with Everton runs until 2022.
He has recovered from a horrific double-leg break in March 2017 to become a key part of Marco Silva’s side and has started every Premier League this season when fit.
