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Phil Jagielka: Everton captain to leave club after 12 years

Last updated on .From the section Evertoncomments137

Jagielka celebrates scoring against Arsenal
Jagielka made just seven appearances during the 2018-19 Premier League campaign, scoring the winner against Arsenal in April - is only

Everton captain Phil Jagielka will leave the club this summer after 12 years at Goodison Park.

After joining from Sheffield United in 2007 for £4m, the 36-year-old centre-back went on to score 19 goals in 386 appearances for the Toffees.

He succeeded the retiring Phil Neville as club captain in 2013.

"It's been hard to confirm my situation for next season as that decision hadn't been fully made by the club until now," Jagielka said on Instagramexternal-link.

"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."

Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright called Jagielka "one of Everton's greatest servants".

He added: "From the day he joined us in July 2007, he has epitomised what it is to be an Evertonian and will remain someone who embodies the spirit and values of the Blues."

Jagielka won 40 caps for England between 2008 and 2016, scoring three goals. He made two appearances at the 2014 World Cup, two years after being in the squad for Euro 2012 but not playing.

He made just seven appearances for Everton during the 2018-19 Premier League season after falling out of favour under Marco Silva.

His only goal of the campaign came in the Toffees' 1-0 victory over Arsenal on 7 April.

Jagielka scored the winning penalty against Manchester United in the 2009 FA Cup semi-final shootout, only to miss the final - which they lost to Chelsea - after rupturing his cruciate ligament.

While at Sheffield United, the club where he started his career, Jagielka twice ended up in goal for lengthy periods - against Millwall in 2004 and Arsenal in 2006 - with the Blades winning both games.

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137 comments

  • Comment posted by D1679120382189, at 18:20 4 Jun 2019

    Isn't it sad that a great servant of a football club leaves and 3 out of 7 responses are from bitter twisted little people who have nothing better to do than make small minded reactionary comments. What a sad, sad little life they must lead.

  • Comment posted by kieran1664, at 18:10 4 Jun 2019

    A true Pro Phil, many thanks for your service. I'm sure your Career will continue successfully somewhere else. I'm sure you'll make an excellent coach at Everton in the future. COYB.

  • Comment posted by JC, at 18:20 4 Jun 2019

    Excellent professional vastly underrated good luck Phil you deserve it.

  • Comment posted by D1679401126065, at 18:12 4 Jun 2019

    A great player for the Toffees who I'm sure will be sadly missed.

  • Comment posted by Sid Vicious, at 18:12 4 Jun 2019

    Great servant to the club. Wish you all the best for your future.

  • Comment posted by fatboyslim, at 18:32 4 Jun 2019

    He's been a good player for Everton and England over the years versatile and consistent, best of luck to him what ever he does.

  • Comment posted by soulfulhornet, at 19:57 4 Jun 2019

    Would not comment on this kind of thread normally but some of the negative remarks are out of order. Jagielka at Everton and Shef U has been a model pro. He is the kind of bloke you would want alongside in the trenches or in a crisis. 12 years? Not many can trump that in an era where loyalty is perceived as a weakness rather than a virtue. I wish him well wherever his career takes him.

  • Comment posted by D1685645093238, at 18:58 4 Jun 2019

    A consummate professional, a great player and I suspect an all round nice bloke.

    Wishing him more success and expecting him to do great things wherever he goes.

    Thanks Jags.

  • Comment posted by D1692049061495, at 18:31 4 Jun 2019

    Experienced the game at the very top and would have a wonderful insight in to the more modern aspects game, as well as anecdotes about more current players. Would love to see players of his ilk replace Mills, Shearer, Wright, Crooks Et al

  • Comment posted by Wilfred, at 18:40 4 Jun 2019

    He is still much revered at Bramall Lane and would bring valuable Premier League experience to newly promoted club.

  • Comment posted by angus mccoatup, at 20:33 4 Jun 2019

    Even as a Liverpool fan, I have a lot of respect for Jagielka, a tough but fair opponent and the kind of defender you wanted in your team. All the best for the future.

  • Comment posted by rob, at 20:23 4 Jun 2019

    One of my best memory's was jags and John terry challenging for a high ball at Goodison outside the box when both coming to the end of the careers

    Both go up early eyes on the ball and smash into each other, falling to the ground but both just get up and get back on with the game no messing no rolling about just proper men

  • Comment posted by Natalie, at 20:38 4 Jun 2019

    Thanks Jags. Any player giving 10+ years of their career to our club deserves the highest respect.

  • Comment posted by On the Contrary, at 21:19 4 Jun 2019

    Liverpool fan here: Have to agree with the comments highlighting Jags as a true pro and a very capable defender. His (albeit few) appearances this season just went to show how much he still has to offer. Hope he gets a good couple of years somewhere else.

  • Comment posted by Ecky Thump, at 18:12 4 Jun 2019

    A terrific professional who will now return to the club he loves at wonderful downtown Bramall Lane.
    Welcome back Jags.
    Up The Blades!

  • Comment posted by 23Mike, at 20:31 4 Jun 2019

    Good luck Phil in whatever happens next. Always good to see someone who is loyal to a club for so long in football, in my book that speaks volumes....... from a West Ham fan.

  • Comment posted by Doc Daneeka, at 21:11 4 Jun 2019

    Model pro, I think he still had a season or two in him; be much missed and I wish him well wherever he goes next.

  • Comment posted by RealDeal78, at 19:06 4 Jun 2019

    Top player in his day, top guy, and a true professional. Thank you for the years of hard work and 100% commitment playing for the Toffees. COYB

  • Comment posted by disgustedofwells, at 20:51 4 Jun 2019

    In his prime, he was fearless and made a lot of 'fancy Dan' forwards think twice about going for 50-50 balls. Proper defender. Best of luck getting another team

  • Comment posted by Cenotaff, at 23:55 4 Jun 2019

    Villa fan here, just to say what a top pro he's been over the years. Always nice to see a player stay with a club for such a long period when many these days are happy to sign a 4 year deal and move every summer or 2 for the signing on cash.

    Also, how pathetic of the Liverpool fans who have come into here to make their gloaty jibes Just enjoy your win with a bit of grace you sad gits.