Seamus Coleman handed new five-year Everton contract

Everton full-back Seamus Coleman has agreed a new five-year contract which will keep him at the club until at least 2022.

The 28-year-old suffered a double fracture of his right leg when he was playing for the Republic of Ireland against Wales in March, but Everton have stuck with their plan to extend his deal.

Coleman told the Everton website: "I'm delighted to get this signed. I've been here for a long time and it's a special club that means a lot to me.

"Everything had been agreed and I was due to sign it after the international break but unfortunately I got the injury.

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"The chairman (Bill Kenwright) messaged me the night of my injury and said, 'Don't worry about it, because when you come back this contract is still waiting for you'.

"That sums up what the chairman and this club is all about. I want to prove my worth when I come back and show the club were right for rewarding me with this long-term contract."

Coleman suffered the injury when he was the victim of a poor challenge from Neil Taylor during the 0-0 draw with Wales in March.

The Republic of Ireland captain has now had his cast removed and is walking with the aid of crutches, but is not rushing his rehabilitation.

"It's a case of not doing too much too soon," he said. "It's just baby steps at the moment, but I am getting on well so far.

"I'm starting to put more weight through the leg and I have got no pain. I'm back doing a good bit in the gym and in the pool.

"I'm doing exercise every day, so the recovery has well and truly started. I'm really looking forward to putting on that blue shirt again."

And Coleman says the knowledge that he was set to sign a new Everton deal gave him a lift at a difficult time.

"I'm delighted with how the club has handled the situation," he said. "Knowing that I was going to come back and sign it has definitely helped things.

"It's a massive boost and gives me something to fight for. This was an important contract.

"I'm at a good age now and I think the club are showing good ambition and going in the right direction, so it's really exciting."

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