After 12 years at the club, Everton Captain Phil Jagielka has announced he's leaving.
The 36-year-old's contract runs out this month.
Since arriving to Goodison Park from Sheffield United in 2007 on a five year contract for £4 million Jagielka has made over 380 appearances for the Toffees.
He scored the winning penalty for them in an FA Cup semi-final shoot-out against Manchester United.
He missed the final; that they eventually lost to Chelsea, due to a ruptured cruciate ligament.
Upon Phil Neville’s retirement as club captain in 2013 then manager David Moyes gave him the armband.
🔵 | Thank you for everything, @PJags06!
After 12 seasons at Goodison Park, captain Phil Jagielka is to leave Everton. Good luck in your next chapter! 💙 pic.twitter.com/JZYB8E3Vjm
— Everton (@Everton) June 4, 2019
The defender only made seven appearances for the club in the last season.
He scored once in the 2018-2019 campaign; during a 1-0 at home victory over Arsenal.
It was his first goal in two years and made him the second oldest ever Premier League goal scorer for the club, behind Richard Gough.
He took to social media to announce the news this afternoon.
“It's been hard to confirm my situation for next season as that decision hadn’t been fully made by the club until now, unfortunately my journey at Everton has come to an end after 12 fantastic seasons, I have been lucky enough to play over 380 games and lucky enough to be club captain for six years.”
“All I can say is thanks to all the players I’ve played alongside, all the staff that have helped me in their own way, The chairman and of course the amazing fans.”
"Wishing everyone associated with this special club the very best for the future!”
He has been linked with a return to his former club Sheffield United, who will compete in the top tier of English football next season following a second placed SkyBet Championship finish last month.
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