Conor Coady has thanked Everton supporters for their support during his loan spell at Goodison Park - insisting it was a "pleasure" to play for the club.
The 30-year-old joined the Blues on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer and was a mainstay under former manager Frank Lampard as he started 14 matches in a row between August and December.
However, after Lampard was replaced by Sean Dyche in late January with Everton in the Premier League relegation zone, Coady's minutes in the second half of the campaign diminished as Michael Keane was preferred alongside James Tarkowski.
READ MORE: Sean Dyche delivers brutal Everton message after dramatic survival
READ MORE: Everton FAB statement after no club board members attend quarterly meeting
On Thursday, Everton released a statement confirming the England international would be returning to the West Midlands this summer with the Blues deciding against triggering a £4.5m clause to make his loan deal permanent. Director of football Kevin Thelwell went on record to thank Coady for his "impeccable professionalism and valuable contributions".
The central defender has now broken his silence about Everton's decision, taking to Instagram to thank the Goodison Park faithful for their support during his time on the Blue half of Merseyside.
"It's been a pleasure to play for you toffees..." wrote Coady. "Thank you [blue love heart emoji] UTFT."
Commenting on the departures of both Coady and Ruben Vinagre, who will return to Sporting CP, Thelwell said: "We want to sincerely thank Conor and Ruben for their impeccable professionalism and valuable contributions both on and off the pitch during their time with the club. We wish both players the best in their futures."
READ NEXT:
- Leon Osman outlines decisive turning point in Everton relegation battle
- Sean Dyche delivers brutal Everton message after dramatic survival
- Everton FAB statement after no club board members attend quarterly meeting
- Everton youngster continues 18-year tradition as first-team chance nears
- What happened inside tunnel after Everton win confirms Sean Dyche transformation
