Neville to leave Everton

Phil Neville will leave Everton at the end of the season after eight years with the club.

The defender, 36, released a statement confirming his intention to leave the Toffees but insisted he would continue his playing career elsewhere.

“It’s been an honour to play for and captain Everton Football Club,” he said in a statement released to Press Association Sport.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on Merseyside and will leave with immense pride. I would like to thank the manager, chairman, all of the staff and the players at Everton for their continued support during my time at the club.

“I’d also like to pay a special thanks to the fans, who have been amazing over the past eight years and Everton will always have a place in my heart.

“I want to continue to play at the top level as long as I physically can, and will be weighing up my options before making a decision on my next move. I’ll now be doing everything I can to help Everton finish as high up the league table as possible.”

Neville will work as part of Stuart Pearce’s England Under-21s backroom staff this summer at the European Championship in Israel.