Djibril Sidibe and Leighton Baines are both leaving Everton as the club pans to get a new set of players before next season. A plethora of messages has been trooping in for former Everton captain, Leighton Baines, who recently announced his retirement from football after spending 13 years at Goodison Park.
Baines, a former England international was not only the one getting a thank you message from the Liverpool based club. The same goes for right back, Djibril Sidibe, who won’t be renewing his loan deal with the club as he will be returning to his parent club first Monaco.
🇫🇷 l Best of luck in your future career, Djibril!
— Everton (@Everton) July 27, 2020
Thank you for your efforts while on loan this season. 👏#EFC 🔵 pic.twitter.com/hAMFvMm7jn
Everton wished Sidibe, who was brought to Goodison Park in the closing stages of last summer’s transfer window from Monaco to provide competition for Seamus Coleman, with Jonjoe Kenny spending the term with Schalke luck.
The 27-year-old France international made 28 appearances during his time with the Blues. He came in from the bench for his last game during the 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday.
Everton had an option to sign him on a permanent basis, but it would seem they are not taking it up.
Sidibe, who was Everton’s second-highest assist maker in the Premier League this term with four, had last March, said he did not see himself returning to Monaco, with whom he is under contract until 2022, at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old was clear that he wanted to stay at Everton. But Carlo Ancelotti might want to make some signing that works with his game plan. It was gathered that the option to pay Monaco 14 million euros to sign him permanently was visibly discouraged by Ancelotti.
Leighton Baines, a legend finally hang up boots after 13 memorable years at Everton
Baines has been lauded by the Chairman, Bill Kenwright, who described him as Everton great.
“We knew the day would come, and it’s come sooner than we would have liked – we tried to make it different I promise Evertonians – but that’s Leighton, his own man… and, of course, we all respect his decision.
🎥 | We’re not crying, you’re crying. 😭 pic.twitter.com/ekOAT2yEJf
— Everton (@Everton) July 27, 2020
“There is simply no praise high enough for ‘Bainesy’ – as a player and as a man. He is right up there with the great Ray Wilson as one of the best left-backs we have ever seen. And often during his time with us, one of the best left-backs in the world.
“Unrivaled footballing intelligence, coupled with unbelievable consistency… and all of the time Leighton’s brain that nagged at him that he could do better!
Baines left Wigan Athletic for Everton in the summer 2007 and became one of Goodison Park’s most popular and recognizable figures, playing 420 matches and scoring 39 goals.
He took his final bow during Everton’s closing game of 2019/20, against Bournemouth, when he came in for Lucas Digne with 20 minutes remaining.
Baines also made 30 appearances for England and is third in Everton’s list of Premier League appearance makers after 348 top-flight games for the Club.
Baines’ message to Evertonians
I am incredibly proud to have represented Everton for the past 13 years and my decision to retire has been a difficult one to make.
After speaking to my family, I feel now is the right time to end my playing career but I do so with many great memories at this proud football club.
As someone from the city, Everton means so much to me and it has been an honour to be part of the Club for so long.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me during my time at Everton, especially the fans who have been fantastic with me from the moment I signed.
Take care and thanks again,
Leighton.
