Sheffield United’s Phil Jagielka comments on Everton exit

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Phil Jagielka parted company with Everton in the summer transfer window and switched to Sheffield United.

Sheffield United central defender Phil Jagielka has suggested to The Times that he regrets not being able to say a proper goodbye to the Everton fans.

Jagielka parted company with Everton at the end of last season when his contract ran out, and the 37-year-old returned to Sheffield United in the summer transfer window.

The Englishman had been on the books of the Toffees since 2007 when he joined from the Blades for a transfer fee reported by The Times to be worth £4 million.

Jagielka has reflected on his last game for Everton – against Burnley in May – and he has admitted that he is disappointed that he could not say a proper goodbye to the Goodison Park faithful, as he had not yet been told that his contract at the Merseyside outfit would not be renewed.

Jagielka told The Times: “I remember myself and Leighton [Baines] were on the bench. Neither of us had committed or signed anything by then, so we were not sure what was going on. He [Marco Silva] put me on for the last two minutes or so, so I had a little laugh with Bainesy and said, ‘That must be me done, then!’

“It was strange walking around after the Burnley game. I don’t want to use the phrase ‘milk it’ but I couldn’t go out and react because I didn’t know if there was a chance I’d be back next year.

“I’d have looked like a clown doing this lap of honour and thanking everyone then getting another contract and unfortunately everyone had to see me again.”

Good signing for Sheffield United

Jagielka is 37 years of age now, and one can understand why Everton did not retain his services.

However, for promoted outfit United, the Englishman is a very good signing, as he has a wealth of experience in the Premier League and can still do a good job for a season, maybe even two.