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Everton confirm the departures of Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert

Leon Osman of Everton celebrates his goal with Tony Hibbert during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and
Image: Everton duo Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman have left the club

Long-serving Everton pair Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert have both been released after the club confirmed they would not be renewing their contracts.

Both players, who have 28 years' first-team experience between them at Goodison Park, came through the club's academy and are joined on the exit list by midfielder Steven Pienaar.

Hibbert made just 20 appearances over the last four seasons after a number of injuries, having lost his place to regular right-back Seamus Coleman.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06:  Tony Hibbert of Everton and Idrissa Gueye of Lille chase the ball during the UEFA Europa League Group H match between Ev
Image: Hibbert is a one-man club after 16 years at Everton

The 35-year-old has made 315 appearances for the Toffees since making his debut in 2001 and has never represented anyone else other than his hometown club, having never even been out on loan. 

Osman, also 35, has amassed 426 games in an Everton shirt and was rewarded for his impressive career when he was called up to the England squad in 2012.

The Wigan-born midfielder went on to collect two caps for his country and captained Everton at several points throughout his career, with his only break from the club coming during loan spells at Carlisle and Derby early in his career. 

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Everton's South African midfielder Steven Pienaar celebrates scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Everton and Chel
Image: Steven Pienaar returned to the club in 2012 after an unsuccessful season with Tottenham

South Africa international Pienaar, 34, who racked up eight years at Goodison Park in two spells either side of 12 months at Tottenham, has also had injury problems and managed just 17 appearances in the last two campaigns.

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