One of the most heart warming sights of 2018 for Ireland fans was when Seamus Coleman returned to Premier League action against Leicester in January. The full back was returning from a double leg fracture sustained against Wales in the World Cup qualifiers and put in a solid performance as the Toffees beat Leicester 2-1.
Everton have today released a video in which Coleman talks about his return, the reception he got that night as well as his relationship with the fans. In the video Coleman speaks about how humbling the experience was and how the fact that the game was at Goodison under the lights made his return from injury extra special.
The 29-year-old was taken with how close a bond he has with Everton fans, and put the relationship down to basic factors such as hard work and professionalism:
I just came out and obviously the build-up the fans had flags for me. It's surreal to think you've left that impression on the fans. It just goes to show that if you do things the right way, work hard, be professional, give your all to the cause, then you'll get that love back and I definitely felt that that night. It'll be a feeling that will stay with me for a long time.
Late into match Coleman went on a marauding run into the Leicester half and the right back told the club that as he tore down the wing that it was his way of telling fans that he was still as fit and strong as he was before the injury. The right back said the feeling he got as he ran was like with every step he took a fan was lifting him.
The Killybegs man was remarkably modest throughout the interview and it is obvious that his honest, down to earth nature is the main reason he is beloved by the Everton faithful.
The interview was conducted as part of Everton's season ticket campaign and fans can secure their seat at Goodison for the 2018/19 season here.
