Reader TTS

SYLVAIN DISTIN HAS DELIVERED AN EMOTIONAL MESSAGE TO EVERTON SUPPORTERS AFTER RETURNING TO GOODISON PARK FOR THE GROUND'S FINAL PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURE 10:20, 21 May 2025 Former Everton

player Sylvain Distin has sent an emotional message to Blues supporters and proclaimed that Goodison Park ‘isn’t just a stadium, it’s a soul.” The Frenchman, signed by David Moyes for

£5million from Portsmouth in 2009 as a replacement for Manchester City-bound Joleon Lescott – who also received a warm reception from the home crowd when announced in a parade of over 70

former players following Everton’s 2-0 win over Southampton in Goodison Park’s final Premier League fixture on Sunday – made 210 appearances for the Blues and scored five goals across a

six-year spell at the club. Now 47, Distin took to Instagram to deliver the following message: “I walked out at Goodison Park one last time. Not as a player, but as a blue forever… “When I

arrived in 2009, I came to do a job. I left with something far greater. Love, memories and a second home. Goodison gave me more than just football. READ MORE: Moses Simon responds to Everton

transfer rumours - 'I know my agent is in contact with some clubs'READ MORE: I now know what should be Everton's first move in new stadium after Goodison Park goodbye “The

Gwladys Street, the Park End, the chants, the passion. You carried us when our legs were heavy. “You demanded more, because you knew we had more. And I loved that, I needed that. “This place

isn’t just a stadium, it’s a soul. For six unforgettable years, I gave everything in the royal blue, felt every tackle, lived every victory and carried every defeat. GOODBYE GOODISON PARK -

SOUVENIR EDITION Everton are soon set to say goodbye to Goodison Park as the Toffees play out their final few matches in their iconic home before moving to their incredible new stadium at

Bramley-Moore Dock. And to celebrate this historic and poignant event, the ECHO has produced this stunning special souvenir edition that no fan can afford to be without as they bid farewell

to their iconic and beloved home. We have delved into the ECHO archives to unearth fascinating stories from the famous ground's past, including how it came to be built in 1892 and where

its world-famous name came from. Buy nowand have it delivered directly to your door. Alternatively you can purchase in most supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents on

Merseyside from April 2, 2025. You can also purchase Goodison's Greatest, our celebration of an era when Everton ruled English football. If you love Everton, you’ll just love this -

order your copy today, simply click here! And that's not all, also available is ParkLife, a a high quality, 312 page publication showcasing 133-years of Goodison history in pictures.

Available here. Then there's Farewell to Goodison, celebrating 100 of the best moments at the Grand Old Lady, available to purchase now. “Now, as the time comes to say goodbye to this

sacred ground, my heart is full. Sad, yes, but also proud. “Proud to have been part of Goodison’s story. Proud to have shared that pitch with warriors. Proud to have heard my name from these

stands. “Goodison may fall silent but its spirit will echo through everyone that walked through those turnstiles. It’s not just the end of a chapter, it’s the celebration of a legacy.

“Forever grateful. Forever Everton. Merci. “Once a Blue, Always a Blue.” Meanwhile, Asmir Begovic, who Everton confirmed on Saturday will be leaving the club when his contract expires this

summer, also delivered an Instagram message. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international goalkeeper made 10 appearances for the Blues in his first spell between 2021-23 and after a season with

Queens Park Rangers in 2023/24, returned this term but did not play. The 37-year-old said: “A beautiful farewell to Goodison Park. An incredible occasion for all Evertonians and very blessed

to have been part of it all. “It’s been an absolute honour to be part of Everton over my two spells. A huge thank you to all my team-mates, staff, and all the fans for making me feel

welcome at this special club. “I wish you all nothing but the very best. Ready for the last few days of the season and next challenge ahead.” Article continues below