Distin thanks the fans after Everton farewell

Sylvain Distin has given an emotional and heartfelt interview after making his final appearance for Everton at Goodison on Sunday.

The 37-year-old will be released when his contract expires in the summer and was afforded a final day farewell by Roberto Martinez when he was introduced in the closing stages against Spurs.

It was only Distin's second appearance since January and that was allegedly only after senior members of the dressing room put pressure on Martinez to select him.

There is no denying Distin's form tailed off at the start of this season but plenty of his teammates have been just as bad yet made their way back into the side.

It is a sour way to end a excellent Everton career, though we may find out more about what exactly went on in due course.

If there is any bitterness from Distin over his Everton exit he wasn't showing it after the game. The defender instead chose to look back with fondness and praise the "special atmosphere" created by everyone at the club.

"There's a lot of emotions, but that's football. I'm leaving with plenty of good memories and a big smile on my face.

"It's always going to be a pleasure to come back here."

Distin has had his differences with some supporters - noticeably last season at Crystal Palace when he confronted some after a goalless draw - but he added: "I think the fans have a lot of passion and sometimes that can create a clash but when you see what happens today you realise it's love - and there's no love without passion.

"We gave everything and that's representative of Everton - the fighting spirit. That's what marked me in my first week here and I realised it was a special club.

"Before I left I made sure I explained to the guys they have something really special and they need to fight to keep it because it's a special club and a special atmosphere and you don't see that everywhere.

"I spent six amazing years here full of great memories and I met a lot of nice people. I'm not just talking about the guys I play with every week - it's the girls working in the kitchen you guys, pain the a*** asking for interviews every five minutes!

"That's what the club is. All the people working behind the scenes, not just the people on the pitch."