Mali international Abdoulaye Doucoure on Tuesday confirmed his decision to leave Everton when his current contract expires at the end of the season, Afrosport reports.
Doucoure, who joined the Toffees from Watford in September 2020, has played 165 times for the club, providing 14 assists and scoring 21 goals—none more memorable than his winner in their 1-0 win over Bournemouth to help the club avoid relegation on the final day of the 2022-23 season.
The 32-year-old midfielder is the fourth player to announce his departure from Goodison Park this season, joining the experienced duo of Ashley Young and Asmir Begovic as well as 25-year-old Portuguese goalkeeper Joao Virginia.
Doucoure, in a video posted on social media, said, “Hi, Evertonians – [I] just wanted to share this message with you: I’m going to leave the football club at the end of the season.
“After five wonderful years, my time at Everton came to an end.
“Everton means a lot for me. Obviously the past five years it’s been hard but I will always remember my time as a dream for me, to play for Everton Football Club.
“Obviously I’m sad to leave the club but I think the time has come for a new chapter for me and the club as well and I will always be grateful for what the club did for me.
“My best memory, I will say it will be the goal I scored against Bournemouth to keep the club in the Premier League. I think this is something I will always be proud [of]. It was a wonderful moment for me and my family and for the club as well.
“I will miss the fans. I will miss the football club. I just wanted to let them know that I gave everything every single time in training, in games.
“I was always proud to wear the shirts, always proud to play at Goodison Park.”
Doucoure started Sunday’s 2-0 win against Southampton and was replaced by Carlos Alcaraz in the second half as Everton played their final game at Goodison Park.
He added: “I gave everything to win the most games I could and I will just miss the place, and I wish them all the best in the new stadium.
“Everton will always be part of my life now. I will be forever a Blue. I will always support Everton and I hope they’re going to have a bright future.”
David Moyes’ side will visit St. James Park on Sunday to take on Newcastle in their final game of the 2024-25 season before they move to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
