David Moyes has said Phil Neville could have joined his coaching staff at Everton but opted to leave to continue playing beyond the age of 36.

The Everton captain is to depart Goodison Park when his contract expires at the end of the season, having accepted in talks with Moyes that future first-team opportunities would be limited. Moyes has said the offer of a coaching role will remain open to Neville, who will coach England Under-21s at the European Championship this summer, and paid tribute to the former Manchester United player's "powerful influence" on and off the pitch during his managerial reign.

But the Everton manager admitted his hopes of keeping Neville as a coach were thwarted by the veteran's determination to play. The 36-year-old is confident he still has another 12 months in him at the highest level.

Moyes confirmed: "Phil is at a time now where I am not sure he would play all the games for us. He has a little bit of a problem with a knee injury that he has to look after as well and that was reflected in our conversations. Phil has decided to continue playing and I am delighted for him. I think it's what he should do. I look at Davie Weir. I let Davie Weir go at a similar age and he went on to play for five more years [at Rangers] and play in a European final. I just think this is the right time for Everton.

"It was Phil who came more to the conclusion. He knows. If he wants to be part of my staff here he is more than welcome, he really is. He has been a big, powerful influence here for eight years and a big help to me in my job."

The offer of a coaching role to Neville indicated that Moyes is preparing for next season as Everton manager despite stalling over a new contract at Goodison. But the Scot protested: "I gave him an opportunity to stay on the staff – that would be better wording. There is nothing at the moment. I talk with the chairman regularly but there won't be anything until the end of the season.

"I have had a bit more information [on the club's finances this summer] and how I am going to be able to spend and use the money. A lot of it is to do with the Premier League rules as well. I have been getting some good stuff back. The club are obviously doing everything they can to make sure we have got what we need. We have a side that we need to start thinking about turning around a little bit."