Abdoulaye Doucoure hits back at claim over David Moyes and Everton exit - 'Stop this nonsense'

Yahoo

22-05-2025

Abdoulaye Doucoure wants to make some things clear before he officially leaves Everton it would seem. The midfielder has taken to social media to dismiss claims over his importance to the team.
On Tuesday, Doucoure confirmed he would be leaving the Blues after five seasons. The club offered their No.16 a new deal, although the 32-year-old is set to take on a new challenge from the 2025-26 season.
Doucoure has been a key player for Everton since his arrival under Carlo Ancelotti, playing in a number of different midfield roles.
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In recent years he has operated in more advanced positions and has chipped in with some crucial goals for the club. Doucoure famously scored the winner against AFC Bournemouth in 2023 to secure Everton's Premier League status on the final day of the campaign.
While the goals have dried up in the past couple of seasons, in the current season Doucoure scored the fastest goal ever at Goodison Park in the 4-0 win over Leicester and a stoppage-time winner at Nottingham Forest.
Although he's moving on, Doucoure has dismissed the idea that his impact at Everton has diminished significantly, responding to claims online on Wednesday.
A post suggested David Moyes wants to change the Blues squad from "'moments' players to consistent players". It continued: "Doucoure a key example, shows up for big moments but is anonymous and ineffective most weeks."
Doucoure replied: "I think if I was so ineffective I [would not] have played most of the games I've played for the club as the starter. So stop this nonsense and telling lies to people."
While supporters have frequently debated Doucoure's role this season, what is clear is how much passion he has for Everton.
The midfielder was clearly emotional after being taken off in the win over Southampton on Sunday and could be seen in tears during the post-match celebrations to mark the men's team's final game at Goodison Park.
Those sentiments were echoed in the farewell video he shared on Tuesday to supporters.
"I will miss the fans, I will miss the football club," he said. "I just wanted them to know that I gave everything, every single time in training and in games.
"I was always proud to wear the shirt. I was always proud to play at Goodison Park.
'I gave everything to win as many games as I could. I will just miss the place and I wish them all the best in the new stadium."