Seamus Coleman has given his strongest indication yet that he is set to retire from professional football, admitting he is 'edging towards' calling time on his playing career. The Republic of Ireland international has been without a club since leaving Everton at the end of last season after 17 years on Merseyside.
Coaching offer and continued playing ambitions
Coleman was offered a coaching position by David Moyes following his departure but stressed at the time that he wished to continue playing. He trained with Sheffield United during the summer but remains without a club.
Speaking to Jamie Carragher on the latest episode of The Overlap Fan Debate, Coleman said: "I had hopes and ambitions of maybe possibly staying playing on."
Family time and contentment
He added: "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 whether he was officially retiring from the sport, Coleman replied: "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."
What comes next
Regarding his next steps, he said: "I've been enjoying family time. I'm doing this [punditry] now and seeing if I enjoy it and see how it goes."
When confirming his departure back in May, Coleman said: "After more than 17 years at this great football club, I've decided this season will be my last as a player here."
He thanked the fans for their support, saying: "You've helped me in more ways than you could imagine. I've always tried my best to put Everton Football Club first and you all mean the world to me."
Coleman also thanked his managers, teammates and all the staff at Everton, adding: "They've seen me happy, sad, angry, emotional, but the greater cause has always been Everton."
He noted that the club offered him an opportunity to stay on, but said he planned to take a long holiday to reflect on his future after such a significant decision.
