Séamus Coleman admits he is ‘edging towards’ retirement
Coleman left Everton in the summer after 17 years at the club
Séamus Coleman has admitted that he is ‘edging towards’ retirement after failing to find a club.
The Killybegs man left Premier League side Everton at the end of his contract in June but had previously stated he wanted to continue playing and help the Republic of Ireland qualify for the 2028 European Championships, which are partly being hosted in Ireland, with the Aviva Stadium one of eight host stadiums.
But the 38-year-old has yet to find a club, and as he has taken longer out of the game, he has become more content with being away from football.
There were options for the defender, who spent 17 years on Merseyside, as he was offered a coaching role by David Moyes at Everton, while he was also training with Sheffield United during the summer.
Speaking on the Overlap Fan Debate, Coleman told Jamie Carragher: "I had hopes and ambitions of maybe possibly staying playing on.
"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.
"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.
“It's hard (to keep fit). For many reasons, mentally and physically, it's just to keep ticking over. I enjoy training. You're not with a ball and that.
"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, it’s just an open book at the minute.”
Coleman made 435 appearances for the Merseyside club since arriving from Sligo Rovers in 2009, making his last appearance at the Hill Dickinson in a 3-1 loss to Sunderland, while he made one final appearance for the Toffees in the final game of the season as they lost 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Killybegs man then started two friendlies for the Republic of Ireland after the season ended, starting in the 1-0 win over Qatar in the Aviva in May before again playing 70 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Canada in Montreal.