Sylvain Distin

Holding the record for most Premier League appearances for a foreign outfield player, Sylvain Distin has much to look back on and be thankful for, including his six years at Everton and a spell on the south coast with Bournemouth, where he ended his career...

For a Premier League record-breaker who epitomised hard graft and professionalism during 14 years in England’s top flight, Sylvain Distin has little room for regrets.

But after more than 500 games and a myriad of memories, he confides to just one: letting the passion of Evertonians pass him by during his time on Merseyside.

Not that the defender was unaware of the Blues’ fervent support, of course. Six years at Goodison Park ensured he was well-versed in all that is great about Everton Football Club.

Instead, Distin’s devotion to getting his game right on matchdays meant that it wasn’t until he returned to L4 as a spectator, in a less familiar backdrop, that he truly appreciated what Blues are all about.

“It was when I watched Tony fight at Goodison,” recalls the affable Frenchman, referring to the night last May when close friend Tony Bellew knocked out Illunga Makabu to win the WBC world cruiser weight title at the home of his beloved Blues. “It was then that I realised the great atmosphere at the Club. It was a moment I will never forget, honestly.