Young's Promise For Everton Fans & Tribute To Club Legend

Ashley Young will leave Everton when his contract expires this summer – and he says he’s delighted to have played for a club “steeped in history” while insisting he’s prepared to “fight until the very last minute” for the Toffees.

The 39-year-old has made 69 appearances for the Blues since joining in July 2023, operating in several different positions and becoming a crucial player for the team through his leadership and experience. 

Last week, the Club announced Young – along with goalkeepers Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic – would be departing at the end of next month.

A final home appearance followed for Young, who was a first-half substitute on Sunday, coming on to replace injured skipper Seamus Coleman during a 2-0 victory against Southampton in the Men’s Senior Team’s final-ever outing at Goodison Park.

Reflecting on his time on Merseyside, Young – speaking to evertontv after Sunday’s game – said: “It's been a fantastic two years. Ups and downs. People have been against us, but we stuck together and that's what the Club's about: sticking together.  

“I'm massively happy. Obviously, I would have wanted to carry on, but it's one of those things that I look back at the two years. I had my doubt, as I've said. But I knew what I had to do. I give 100 per cent with any club that I come to.  

“I think I took on what the fans wanted: that hunger, that desire, that spirit, that work rate. I've got that in abundance, and I'll fight to the end. I think that shows with today.

“Obviously, I didn't want to come on in the way I did. Straight away, I'm on the pitch and I'm wanting to fight. I'll fight for this club until the very last minute. I'm delighted that I've been able to represent this club. It's a fantastic club, steeped in history and I'm glad I've been part of this history.”

Frequently called upon by managers Sean Dyche and David Moyes, Young has earned 31 Premier League starts so far this season, notching three assists.

A goal against Wolves back in December meant he became an Everton record holder as their oldest-ever goal scorer at 39 years and 148 days. 

Asked how he’ll remember his two-year stint with the Toffees, Young – an England international and a league-title winner with Manchester United and Inter Milan – responded: “I think it's the togetherness, the spirit, and like I say, this club is steeped in history. 

“You've only got to look at today and the amount of legends that were there. I played with legends on the pitch, as well, today. 

“So, you know, this club is about, bringing people through and having that togetherness. And we did that today. And like I said, it's all about the send-off that we gave this fantastic stadium. And one that will go down in the history books.” 

Sunday’s Goodison finale was a special occasion for the Club, says Young, who continued: “It was unbelievable. I think we saw just turning up today how electric it was outside.

“It just shows what it means to the fans. That was one of the things that we said before the game. Make sure we go out there and give the fans something to talk about, something to cheer about. And I think we've done that today.

“We said we couldn't play the occasion; we had to play the football that we knew we could and we have been doing for the past couple of months. 

“And to get the win. We've had back-to-back wins now. We said we wanted to put more points on the board, and that's what we've done today.

“Today is obviously emotional about leaving the ground. It's about the fans, and we wanted to give this ground a good send-off, and I think we've done that today. 

Substituted on after Coleman picked up a thigh injury, Young arrived into Sunday’s game in disappointing circumstances, but revealed the Blues skipper – as ever – played an important role on the day.

Young paid tribute to the Everton captain, explaining: “For me, turning up on my first day, I was met by Seamus, and I couldn't be more welcomed into a club straight away. 

“He's one that drives standards every day. He's a legend of this club. Day in, day out. Not just on the pitch, off the pitch.

“He's just a fantastic professional and he's an even better person. You could tell the emotions were there today and it was sad to see him come off, but he was still there in the dressing room, driving the standards.  

“And, like I say, we just wanted to give this place a good send-off.”