Frank Lampard described Seamus Coleman as 'one of the best people' he has ever met after Everton secured their Premier League status for next season.
The Toffees came from two goals down to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 on Thursday, a result which saw them avoid relegation to the Championship.
Having struggled all season to be in the situation where they were two matches away from potentially losing their long stay in England’s highest division, Lampard’s players made even more hard work of it in their final home game.
Poor defending allowed Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew both to score inside 36 minutes but a rousing second-half performance saw Michael Keane and Richarlison get the hosts back on level terms before Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s header five minutes from time prompted the first of two joyous mass pitch invasions.
Lampard singled out Everton captain Coleman for praise following the game.
Speaking about Coleman before giving him a hug in front of the entire Everton dressing room, Lampard said: "This fella, to say in front of everyone, is one of the best people I have ever met, as a man and a player."
Alli also singled out the Donegal man for praise, writing on his Instagram story: "Living legend! What a man. Showed me what it was to be an Evertonian."
Lampard ranked escaping relegation as “possibly at the top” of his managerial career.
“An incredible night. I have been playing a long time, coaching a relatively short time, and am fortunate to be part of amazing things and this is right up there,” said Lampard.
“It’s right up there, possibly at the top. We had an amazing night at Leeds with Derby but this feeling was special: we didn’t win anything tonight but the feeling is special.”
Rivals fans, particularly those in the red half of the city, have mocked the scenes at the final whistle with fans celebrating wildly on the pitch watched by the squad, but Lampard defended it.
He added: “Bring it on. People who say you are celebrating staying up, but it means so much. People won’t forget this.
“Evertonians will say that is very Everton but to do it is special night, the scenes are well deserved
“What this means to the club from the top to the bottom, bottom to the top: fans, board, players, staff. That is special.”
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