Seamus Coleman admits Ireland rethink as he nears Carlo Ancelotti’s prophecy
The veteran full-back is determined to stay available for the Ireland national team and will consider future in the summer
Seamus Coleman called time on his Everton career last week after 17 years with the club, but is considering continuing his playing career with the motivation of remaining available for the Ireland national team.
Coleman rejected a coaching role from David Moyes at Everton, as he keeps his options open ahead of a summer where he plans to decide on his next step.
The 37-year-old full-back is preparing for friendlies against Qatar (June 28) and Canada (June 6), after his international career appeared to be over just a few months ago.
Following the World Cup semi-final play-off heartbreak against the Czech Republic in March, Coleman walked out with his family onto the Aviva Stadium pitch after the friendly against North Macedonia, in what appeared to be a farewell.
However, after talks with Ireland head coach Heimir HallgrĂmsson, Coleman admitted a change of heart, and now looks set to reconsider his future.
“[International retirement] was possible, hence why I brought my kids out [against North Macedonia] and I didn’t want to ever miss that opportunity,” Coleman told the media ahead of the friendly against Qatar.
“I walked them out for Everton and I wanted to walk them out for Ireland and, again, you never know, so I wanted to walk my kids out.”
“But no, I wasn’t sure at that time really. I had a really honest and good conversation with the manager that definitely changed a few things for me,” he admitted.
“I think if we’d got to a World Cup, maybe things would be different. I think it was just a conversation with the manager on the bus, just after training one day that got me thinking again.
“I spoke to the manager and he said if I can be fit and well and perform and he would like to have me around.
“So, as soon as the carrot of Ireland got dangled in front of me, that became a massive factor in my decisions.”
Carlo Ancelotti’s Seamus Coleman prophecy
Back in 2020, while head coach of Everton, Carlo Ancelotti hailed Seamus Coleman after making his 250th Premier League start for the club, stating his belief that he could continue playing until the age of 40.
“It’s a great achievement,” Ancelotti said at the time. “We are honoured to have him as a captain in this team.
“Seamus can play until he’s 40. He’s still young.”
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While Coleman was not ready to disagree with the legendary manager, who is set to lead Brazil in this summer’s World Cup, the full-back says he is not thinking about that milestone just yet.
“If Carlo Ancelotti says it, then yes,” he joked. “I know he said it, so I am not going to contradict him. He knows what he’s talking about.
“I’ve been unfortunate with some injuries so maybe there is not as many miles on the clock as maybe some other 37-year-olds.
“Physically, I do feel really good, I am not up and down like a 24-year-old but I do feel really good, so again, I am not going to look as far ahead as 40.”
