LONDON, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin announced on Sunday that he will leave the club as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of June.

The news ends the 28-year-old's nine seasons at the club after 71 goals in 274 appearances.

Calvert-Lewin announced his decision in an open letter published on social media.

"To Everton Football Club and the Evertonians. After nine remarkable years at this club, I've made the incredibly difficult decision, together with my family, to begin a new chapter in my career."

"This isn't something I chose lightly. Everton has been my home since I was 19 years old. It's the place that saw potential in me, challenged me to grow, and shaped me both as a footballer and as a man."

"This choice to move on was not simply about me - it was a decision my family and I spent a long time considering together."

"We believe it's the right moment to seek a new challenge and continue growing, but that doesn't lessen the bond I'll always have with Everton," he wrote.

The striker enjoyed his two best seasons with Everton in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns, but has struggled with injuries since, making only 34 league appearances and netting just seven goals. Last season, he played 26 times in the Premier League with 19 starts. ■