Jagielka Sends Message To Evertonians

Phil Jagielka has spoken of his pride to have been Everton captain and thanked Blues for their support as the defender gets ready to return to the Club for the first time since leaving in the summer after 12 years’ service.

The 37-year-old is set to be in the Sheffield United squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Grand Old Lady. Jagielka began his career with the Blades before joining Everton in 2007, going on to play 385 games for the Blues.

The former England defender was appointed Toffees captain in 2013 and, ahead of his L4 comeback, revealed what it means to him to have led “a club with a fantastic history”, as he backed Seamus Coleman to thrive as his successor with the armband.

“The fans were fantastic with me and I would like to think they could see I gave my all for the Club from day one,” Jagielka told evertonfc.com. “For me to retain my place in the team for so long at a club with a fantastic history makes me so proud.

“I never, ever took it for granted and it’s something I am immensely proud of.

“To captain the team was just another level. I never imagined that I would do that but as the years went on, I took more and more responsibility. That’s the way it’s happened for Seamus now. He has grown naturally into a leader.”

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01:59 Fri 20 Sep 2019

WATCH: HIGHLIGHTS OF EVERTON'S PREVIOUS PREMIER LEAGUE WIN AGAINST BLADES

Goals from Blues' 2-0 success at Goodison in October 2006.

Those 385 appearances for Everton yielded 19 goals for Jagielka, with two in particular standing out above the rest – his successful FA Cup semi-final penalty conversion, that technically isn’t one of his official strikes, and his blockbuster of an equaliser in the Merseyside derby at Anfield in 2014.

So which one does he look back on with the most fondness?

“Two totally different emotions,” he grinned. “I was probably happier with the penalty because I knew what I was doing, whereas the goal against Liverpool was as much a shock to me as everyone else! But I’ll probably be remembered more for that goal at Anfield.

“My goalscoring record wasn’t exactly amazing but I scored against some decent teams – Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool.”

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02:01 Wed 18 Sep 2019

DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY COUPLE JOIN EVERTON TEAM PHOTO

Season Ticket Members Peter and Frances Flannery treated to special celebration at USM Finch Farm.