When Everton fans were asked on Twitter who they thought David Moyes' best signing was, responses included the likes of Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and Nigel Martyn.
However, Twitter user, Gareth Robinson, tweeted: "Loved Distin . Still don't understand how a man that big could run as fast as he did. Also gave 100% too. He cared as well. Showed that in the Wembley derby, how sorry he was for the mistake (which players make all the time)."
A few hours after Mr Robinson sent his tweet, Frenchman, Distin responded, saying: "No secrets. Just hard work. Some practice their free kicks after training. I was in the gym after training. Wembley was a very tough moment in my career. Possibly the most difficult one. But I've learned a lot about myself, my team mates and you guys."
The "tough moment" was a backpass which allowed Luis Suarez to equalise in an FA Cup semi-final Everton led 1-0 in 2012. The Reds went on to win the match 2-1.
But Distin certainly cemented himself as a fans favourite at Goodison Park , making over 170 appearances for The Toffees.
After his farewell appearance against Tottenham in 2015 Distin said: "There's a lot of emotions, but that's football. I'm leaving with plenty of good memories and a big smile on my face.
"It's always going to be a pleasure to come back here."
Distin had his differences with some supporters - noticeably during his penultimate season at Crystal Palace when he confronted some after a goalless draw - but he added: "I think the fans have a lot of passion and sometimes that can create a clash but when you see what happens today you realise it's love - and there's no love without passion.
"We gave everything and that's representative of Everton - the fighting spirit. That's what marked me in my first week here and I realised it was a special club.
"Before I left I made sure I explained to the guys they have something really special and they need to fight to keep it because it's a special club and a special atmosphere and you don't see that everywhere.
"I spent six amazing years here full of great memories and I met a lot of nice people. I'm not just talking about the guys I play with every week - it's the girls working in the kitchen you guys, pains in the a*** asking for interviews every five minutes!
"That's what the club is. All the people working behind the scenes, not just the people on the pitch."
