Everton manager David Moyes believes that his players have had "a brilliant season" and admits that he feels "emotional" to leave the club.
The Scot's final game in charge of the Toffees ended in a 2-1 away defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday and saw them finish sixth in the table.
"We played really well today," BBC Sport quotes him as saying. "Our players could have turned off and said that it didn't matter but we really gave Chelsea a good game. We played well, we were unlucky to get nothing out of the game.
"It's been a great effort from the players. I've just said to them they've had a brilliant season. You can see the way they've played against the best in the country. Whoever takes the job will have a lot of pleasure working with them. They are honest, whole-hearted, have great energy and are a really good team as well.
"It's emotional because it's the last time I walk away from the players but part of the job is you move on. It's rare to stay in a job for 11 years so I'm thankful for getting that opportunity and hopeful they're in a strong position to push on. It's really not sunk in."
Moyes will take charge of Manchester United next season.
Subhankar Mondal
