Abdoulaye Doucoure confirms emotional Everton exit...

Abdoulaye Doucoure, the 32-year-old Mali international midfielder, has officially announced he will leave Everton at the end of the current season. His departure comes after five impactful years at Goodison Park, during which he became a crucial figure for the Toffees, notably scoring the goal that secured their Premier League survival on the final day of the 2022-23 season against Bournemouth.

The powerful midfielder confirmed his exit in a heartfelt video message addressed directly to Everton supporters today. Doucoure, who was offered a new contract by the club last week, explained that despite the offer, a new deal could not be finalized, leading to his decision to seek a fresh challenge.

"After five wonderful years, my time at the club has come to an end," Doucoure stated in his message. "I'm sad to leave, but I think the time has come for a new chapter for me and the club. Everton means a lot to me. The past five years have been hard, but I will always remember my time as a dream to play for the club. I will miss the fans and the club. I just want to let them know that I gave everything all the time and was always proud to wear the shirt and play at Goodison Park. I wish them all the best in the new stadium. I will forever be a Blue."

His emotional connection to the club was evident just this past Sunday, when he was visibly tearful after being substituted during Everton's 2-0 victory over Southampton. He received a standing ovation from the home crowd, and several teammates embraced him as he left the pitch, a moment that now serves as a poignant prelude to today's confirmation.

Since joining Everton from Watford in 2020 for a fee of approximately £20 million, Doucoure made 165 appearances for the club, contributing 21 goals. Operating predominantly as an attacking midfielder, he has been a mainstay in the team again this season, registering three goals and two assists across 32 league appearances.

While his next destination remains undisclosed, Doucoure has attracted interest from clubs within England and, notably, from the Middle East, where he has family connections. His departure means he will join Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic, and Joao Virginia in leaving the club as free agents this summer. The futures of other key players whose contracts are also expiring, such as Idrissa Gueye, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Michael Keane, are yet to be decided by the club.

Everton currently sits in 13th place in the Premier League table and is set to play their final match of the season this Sunday against Newcastle at St James' Park.