Seamus Coleman has returned to Everton

After suffering a horrific double leg break on international duty just over a month ago, Everton defender Seamus Coleman is back at USM Finch Farm to begin his rehabilitation back to full fitness.

In his first public statements since his injury, he spoke to evertontv and thanked his fans and the footballing community for the thousands of well wishes that came his way since the unfortunate incident.

The right back underwent surgery on March 25th and stayed at home in Killybegs in the Republic of Ireland where manager Ronald Koeman and club captain Phil Jagielka went to visit him a couple of weeks ago.

“It’s great to be back, nice to see everyone again – it’s like my first day all over again.

“Obviously, I’d rather be fit and well but I’ve had a good month at home in Ireland to get my head around everything and now I’m ready to get back to work.

“I’m not on social media. It was tempting to go back on to thank everyone but I thought I’d wait to come back here to do the interview and just to say thank you for the support I’ve had from the two management teams, from the doctors, the surgeons and all the fans back home and here.

“Until something like this happens you don’t always realise how fortunate you are to play for this Club, to play for the national team and to have all that support behind me.

“Every little card meant so much to me and my family. All those well-wishes will get me through this tough period because people have gone out of their way to send cards, to send prayers and it definitely gets you through it.

“I always knew this was a great club, a special club. I never wanted this injury to happen but it has reminded me that the Club is amazing, as is the support I had from all the fans.

“I try to get involved as much as I can and help people outside of the game and I think I got that support back 10 times over.

“I couldn’t possibly thank everyone because there’s too many but everyone has played their part so far and it’s my job now to do the rest and get back on that pitch.”

Speaking about Koeman and Jagielka’s visit, Coleman went on to say -

“It’s been great to see everyone, people asking me how I am and how I’ve been. The manager came over to see me with Jags and a couple of staff members. [Republic of Ireland manager] Martin O’Neill came over to see me as well, so the support has been brilliant.

“I can’t emphasise enough the Irish players coming to visit me in hospital for the first few days and then all the messages from the lads back here. Jags’ goal celebration was great, a nice little touch.

“Sitting watching the game with my friends and hearing the fans at Old Trafford singing my song, stuff like that means a lot when you’re in the early stages of rehab and maybe a bit low. All that stuff got me through.

“I’ve heard the song sung plenty of times. It always felt good but it felt that little bit different when you’re sat at home with your leg up and to hear them still singing your name when you’re not on the pitch, it means a lot to me. It’s something that I really do appreciate from the Everton fans.”

While there is still no firm timeline for his return, the 28-year-old is ready for the challenges the upcoming months will bring.

“I’ve had tough journeys before in the past. It hasn’t been a smooth journey to play for Everton and to captain my country.

“I’m a fighter and there’s a part of me that’s looking forward to this challenge. It’s something to start all over again and fight for.

“I’ve started with very small exercises in the gym. I’ve been doing some walking in the pool and aqua-jogging. It’s just good to be back in and around the Club and feeling like a professional footballer again.

“It was great to be around my family and friends back home but I’ve been itching to get back. It’s small steps but I’m ready to work.

“I’m really enjoying it and looking forward to the challenge ahead because it’s going to be tough but I’ve had tough journeys before and this is just another one.”

On behalf of the readers and staff at Royal Blue Mersey, we wish Seamus all the best on his road to recovery, and we can’t wait to see him back on the pitch again so we can sing “Sixty Grand” once again loud and proud.

You too can send ‘get well soon’ cards to the player via the club -

Get Well Seamus,

Media and Communications Department,

Everton Football Club,

Finch Farm,

Halewood,

Merseyside,

L26 3UE.