Ashley Young, 39, to be unemployed as Everton release three stars including former Chelsea and Arsenal players

ASHLEY YOUNG is one of three players being released by Everton.

The Toffees have confirmed that the 39-year-old will depart at the end of the season.

Upon news of Young’s upcoming exit, boss David Moyes gushed over the veteran star.

The Scot, 62, said: “Since my return to the Club, I’ve seen what a great professional Ash is and know the leadership qualities he has brought to the squad during his time at Everton.

“His versatility, experience and know-how have also been really beneficial to the team and me.”

In addition to Young, goalkeepers Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia are also to depart.

Moyes added: “Asmir and Joao have also worked really hard and conducted themselves impeccably.

“On behalf of everyone at the Club, I want to thank all three players for their service and we wish them all the very best for the future.”

Young joined Everton on a free transfer in 2023, having previously turned out for Watford, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Inter Milan, in addition to earning 39 England caps.

The full-back has gone on to play 68 times for the Toffees.

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On Thursday, online Everton expert The Bobble claimed that the Toffees were set to offer Young a new deal.

Earlier today, Young replied to the post: “Well I’m gonna burst your bobble this time.”

He then went on to add: “I’d like to thank both Sean (Dyche) and David (Moyes) for giving me the opportunity to play for this Club.

“To all the staff that have been on this journey thank you all for everything you’ve done and in whatever way you’ve helped trust me.

“Then of course You Players, I have loved every minute of every day being in and sharing the dressing room with you, we’ve had ups and downs, people going against us; but Our Togetherness inside Our dressing room has got us through tough times.

“I just want to say keep being Together and move into the new stadium giving the Evertonians what they deserve, which I believe is good football, hunger, fight, desire and Winning.

“Now to you fans, you’re a tough bunch, haha, but thank you for your support. I’ve had my doubters and haters, I’m all for it as I know you have seen the Passion, Determination, Fight and Winning Mentality I have had all throughout my career. Keep getting behind that team as you say farewell to Goodison and welcome Bramley-Moore Dock.

“Tomorrow is going to be full of so many emotions for everyone but let’s leave Goodison smiling and happy.”

Per Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, Young is not planning to retire and has been contacted by clubs both in England and overseas.

Despite still playing, Young, who will turn 40 in July, has already launched his punditry career.

The former Man Utd skipper worked as a pundit for talkSPORT at Euro 2024.

He has also appeared on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football and Prime Video’s Champions League coverage.

Begovic, meanwhile, rejoined Everton from Queens Park Rangers last summer for a second spell backing up Jordan Pickford.

The Bosnian, 37, appeared 10 times during his first spell at Goodison Park, but has not played this season.

Begovic has also turned out for the likes of Chelsea, AC Milan and Portsmouth during his career.

Virginia initially joined Everton’s academy following a three-year spell with Arsenal.

The Portuguese stopper made eight first team appearances for the Toffees.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk