Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has sent an emotional farewell message to the club's fans as he prepares to bring down the curtain on his Goodison Park career on Sunday.
Howard, 37, has been at the Merseyside club for almost 10 years and will now return to his native United States to play for Colorado Rapids.
He makes his final Everton appearance at home to Norwich City and thanked supporters, his former managers David Moyes and Roberto Martinez and chairman Bill Kenwright as he prepared to bow out.
EVERTON, you have become a part of my soul. You'll forever be in my heart. COYB!!!
Your #24,
Tim Howard pic.twitter.com/THEWMlQZxs
- tim howard (@TimHowardGK) May 15, 2016
Howard, a former Manchester United player, wrote: "I remember the promise that David Moyes made to me 10 years ago: 'Once you walk through those doors, you'll fall in love.'
"Today, I will walk through those doors one more time, and then I will depart.
"I will depart with love in my heart for the greatest of football clubs, the people's club, Everton FC."
Howard hailed Phil Jagielka as "the greatest and strongest captain" and said it "has been a privilege to follow him."
He called Moyes "the ultimate leader, combining strength and integrity" and praised Martinez, sacked last week after a disappointing season, "for his decency and commitment to me as a player and a man."
And he concluded: "I will soon walk out on the Goodison pitch, the 414th time I have been honoured and trusted to wear the famous Everton shirt.
"I am going home to America. But after a decade in blue, this is my home. Everton, you have become a part of my soul. You'll forever be in my heart. COYB!"