Everton have honoured their commitment to a new five-year contract for Séamus Coleman while the defender recovers from a double fracture to his right leg.

The Republic of Ireland captain signed the new deal on Friday having had just over two years remaining on his previous contract. Coleman had agreed terms, but not signed, before the recent international games when his leg was broken in two places by Wales’ Neil Taylor during a World Cup qualifier in Dublin.

Everton’s chairman, Bill Kenwright, reassured the 28-year-old on the night of the injury that his contract remained on the table. The agreement gives Coleman a major lift as he begins a long rehabilitation process and would ensure the £60,000 signing from Sligo Rovers serves 13 years at Goodison Park.

Coleman said: “It’s a special club that means a lot to me. Everything had been agreed and I was due to sign it after the international break but unfortunately I got the injury. The chairman messaged me the night of my injury and said ‘Don’t worry about it because when you come back this contract is still waiting for you’. That sums up what the chairman and this club is all about.

“Farhad Moshiri [Everton’s major shareholder] also sent me cards and said the support was always going to be there. I’m delighted with how the club has handled the situation. Knowing that I was going to come back and sign it has definitely helped things. It’s a massive boost and gives me something to fight for. I want to prove my worth when I come back and show the club were right for rewarding me with this long-term contract.”

The right back, who has made 247 appearances for Everton, was allowed a month at home in Donegal to recuperate from surgery and returned to Finch Farm last week to step up training. “It’s a case of not doing too much too soon – it’s just baby steps at the moment – but I am getting on well so far,” added Coleman. “I’m starting to put more weight through the leg and I have got no pain. I’m back doing a good bit in the gym and in the pool. I’m doing exercise every day, so the recovery has well and truly started. I’m really looking forward to putting on that blue shirt again.”