Unattached Coleman 'edging towards' retirement

The 38-year-old unattached defender is contemplating retirement after 17 years at Everton but has not made a final decision.

Seamus Coleman, 38, is edging towards retirement after leaving Everton at the end of last season following 17 years with the club. The former captain has been without a club since his departure and has not played since a Republic of Ireland friendly in June, instead training individually and spending time with family in Donegal.

Speaking on the Overlap Fan Debate with Jamie Carragher, Coleman said he was considering hanging up his boots but stopped short of making an official announcement. "I have been keeping fit but it is edging towards that way, and happily as well," he said. He acknowledged the difficulties of not training with a club, describing it as "hard for many reasons" both mentally and physically.

Coleman had initially hoped to continue playing until Euro 2028, when the Republic of Ireland will co-host the tournament, and turned down a coaching contract with Everton to pursue his playing career. However, he said the longer he has been away from the game and the more time he has spent with family, the more content he has become. "It's just an open book at the minute," he added.