Everton have confirmed captain Phil Neville will leave the club at the end of the season.
The 36-year-old, who joined the Toffees from Manchester United in 2005, will link up with Stuart Pearce’s England Under-21 coaching staff for the upcoming European Championship in Israel this summer, but clarified he would extend his playing career beyond this season.
“It’s been an honour to play for and captain Everton Football Club. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on Merseyside and will leave with immense pride," Neville said.
Neville joined the Toffees in 2005 from Manchester United
"I would like to thank the Manager, Chairman, all of the staff and the players at Everton for their continued support during my time at the club. I’d also like to pay a special thanks to the fans, who have been amazing over the past eight years and Everton will always have a place in my heart. I want to continue to play at the top level as long as I physically can, and will be weighing up my options before making a decision on my next move. I’ll now be doing everything I can to help Everton finish as high up the league table as possible.”
Neville has not featured for Everton since he was withdrawn at half-time in their humiliating 3-0 FA Cup loss at home to Wigan Athletic a month ago.
The younger Neville brother was bought from United by David Moyes for £3.5m seven-and-a-half-years ago, and has played 303 times for the Blues, scoring five goals.