Phil Jagielka has admitted that he may have played his final game as an Everton player at Goodison Park.
The 36-year-old defender, whose contract expires at the end of the season, came off the bench in the final few minutes of the 2-0 win against Burnley on Friday night, in what seemed like a farewell appearance by the long-serving Toffees ace.
Jagielka has made 385 appearances in all competitions for Everton since joining the Merseyside club in 2007, and he has revealed that there will be some clarity on his future within the next fortnight.
“I suppose the answer to that will probably take place in the next 10 days,” said Jagielka when asked if that was his final appearance as an Everton player at Goodison Park on Sky Sports Main Event on Friday [10:20pm].
“I hope not, but there’s obviously a good possibility it could be.
“Time will tell and I’ll plod on and go and find somewhere else to go and play football.”
OPINION
It will be a massive shame to see Jagielka leave Everton in the summer. He has been a great servant to the club but it is clear that the defender, who turns 37 in August, is past his best and is probably no longer good enough to play regularly in the Premier League. That being said, the former Sheffield United centre-back has made seven appearances in the top-flight this term and Everton have only lost once. He helped keep a clean sheet in the win against Arsenal – who he also scored against – and did a fine job against Cardiff City in February. Jagielka is reportedly earning £50,000-a-week [Spotrac] at Goodison Park so releasing him in the summer will clear quite a chunk off the wage bill and that amount of money is too much for someone who is barely playing. If he will agree a reduced wage with Everton then maybe keep him on just for his leadership values and experience. However the fans will not be too angry he if is released.