Everton defender Leighton Baines has opted to retire instead of returning to the club in 2020/21. The 35 year old had played 18 seasons and had joined Everton from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2007. Baines had made 420 appearances for the club, 348 in the Premier League, which is third all-time for the Toffees. He also added 39 goals, 29 in the Premier League, and also had 52 assists. Baines notably made 25 appearances in European competition. In international play, Baines made 30 appearances for England including making the 2014 World Cup side.
Baines is undoubtedly going to be an Everton legend especially after all he had done for the club over 13 seasons. While manager Carlo Ancelotti had offered him a contract for 2020/21, Baines ultimately decided to end his career. Baines was once heralded as one of the best backs in the Premier League and was still productive even as he had gotten older. It would've been nice to have kept him for one more campaign as he provides depth, quality, experience, and veteran leadership for the youngsters.
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