Captain Seamus Coleman says it is “hard to walk away from something you love” as he considers the offer of a new contract from Everton.

Coleman, a 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international, joined the Toffees in 2009 for a club record £60,000, and since then, he has made 363 Premier League appearances.

Due to injury, the full-back has only appeared in 12 club games this season, including the entire 90 minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Sheffield United.

“This football team means everything to me,” he stated on the official Everton website.Like everyone else, I guess I live and breathe it.

“The past two or three years have been an incredible journey, and working is more than just showing up for work, leaving, and never thinking about it again.

“As I previously mentioned when I signed my most recent contract, leaving something you love is difficult.”

Coleman’s contract is up this summer, along with that of fellow full-back Ashley Young, midfielders Andre Gomes, Idrissa Gueye, and Dele Alli, and the loan agreements of Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma.

Players “will be sold” this summer, according to football director Kevin Thelwell, who also urged supporters to have “patience and understanding” while the team works to strengthen its financial position.