Former Everton defender Sylvain Distin's emphatic post about Goodison Park might just be the best yet

Everton fans are still taking in the fact that Goodison Park will no longer host men’s games – and the tributes continue to pour in.

On Sunday, Goodison Park hosted its final game against Southampton, with Everton running out 2-0 winners.

Iliman Ndiaye scored twice for the Toffees, and it was just a great day.

David Moyes was left amazed by the scenes outside Goodison hours before the game even kicked off – and they were certainly spectacular.

Thousands of supporters lined the streets surrounding Goodison, creating a brilliant atmosphere. Some would not even go inside the ground – it was merely about being there and taking in the occasion.

Tributes have been plentiful since the weekend.

But former Everton defender Sylvain Distin might have just posted the most emphatic one of all.

Sylvain Distin speaks for Everton fans far and wide with beautiful Goodison Park post

Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images

Lots of former players have posted since the weekend.

Richarlison’s post about Goodison Park was naturally very well received, with the Brazilian still a very popular figure around Merseyside – and a player many fans want to see back at the club.

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James Rodriguez also acknowledged Goodison. It remains a shame the Colombian never got to play in front of fans at the Grand Old Lady.

But yesterday, a new tribute came in from Sylvain Distin – and it is perhaps the most beautifully worded one yet.

He wrote the 193-word message: “I walked out at Goodison Park one last time. Not as a player, but as a blue forever…

“When I arrived in 2009, I came to do a job. I left with something far greater. Love, memories and a second home. Goodison gave me more than just football. The Gwladys Street, the Park End, the chants, the passion. You carried us when our legs were heavy. You demanded more, because you knew we had more. And I loved that, I needed that.

“This place isn’t just a stadium, it’s a soul. For six unforgettable years, I gave everything in the royal blue, felt every tackle, lived every victory and carried every defeat.

“Now, as the time comes to say goodbye to this sacred ground, my heart is full. Sad, yes, but also proud. Proud to have been part of Goodison’s story. Proud to have shared that pitch with warriors. Proud to have heard my name from these stands.

“Goodison may fall silent but its spirit will echo through everyone that walked through those turnstiles. It’s not just the end of a chapter, it’s the celebration of a legacy.

“Forever grateful. Forever Everton. Merci”

Beautiful words from a highly underrated former Everton player

Goodison has touched many a player, and Distin is clearly someone who was affected profoundly by Everton’s now former stadium.

Distin was a brilliant player and servant for Everton, playing a huge role in the club securing Europa League football at the end of the 2013/14 season.

His partnership with Phil Jagielka was brilliant at times, and fans definitely took to the Frenchman.

Clearly, the love he felt has never been forgotten by him – and his Instagram tribute might just be the best of all.

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