"One of the best people I have ever met."
Frank Lampard paid an emotional tribute to Seamus Coleman in the Everton dressing room after the Toffees secured their Premier League status.
Everton came from two goals behind to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at Goodison Park on Thursday night. The dramatic win ensured that they would extend their 68-year stay in the English top flight.
Frank Lampard pays tribute to Seamus Coleman.
Michael Keane, Richarlison, and Dominick Calvert-Lewin scored for
Everton on the night, but it was Coleman who Lampard first singled out for praise in the dressing room after the final whistle.
Everton's captain and the club's longest-serving player has been the team's leader throughout a difficult season, and his manager appeared grateful for his hard work and professionalism.
Lampard said that
Coleman is 'one of the best people' he has encountered in the sport.
"This fella, to say in front of everyone, is one of the best people I have ever met, as a man and a player," Lampard said about Coleman before giving the Everton skipper a hug.
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Frank Lampard on Everton staying in the Premier League.
Speaking to
Sky Sports following the game, Lampard paid tribute to the character of his team.
"What we've just seen, it's Premier League safety, it's not Champions League," he said.
"But what it means to the club and the circumstances they were given in.
"The character of this club, the fans, players, just got us through. The spirit of the club was immense.
"There are a lot of people who work so hard for that, the players, the board, the fans, my staff.
"It's a huge night for Everton and now we want to take that forward."
Lampard took charge of the Toffees at the end of January after Rafa Benitez was sacked.
Under the former Chelsea midfielder, Everton have won six out of their 17 Premier League games and accumulated enough points to be safe before the final day.
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