Phil Neville to leave the Toffees at the end of the season

Phil Neville has today confirmed that he will leave Everton at the end of the season.

By Declan Whooley

The former Manchester United player joined Everton in 2005 and has made more than 300 appearances for the club, but today announced that his time on Merseyside will come to an end at the end of the season.

A member of Stuart Pearce’s England U21 coaching staff for the upcoming European Championships this summer, Neville has nevertheless made it clear that he is looking to 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,” he said in a club statement.

"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 became only the seventh player in Premier League history to make 500 Premier League appearances just after Christmas and was made club captain in 2007 after the departure of David Weir.