Defender, Phil Jones will leave Manchester United on a free transfer at the end of 2022-23 season.
Jones’ departure comes after 12 years at the club following his move from Blackburn Rovers in June 2011, having graduated through the latter’s youth academy and made 35 senior appearances.
Across his time at Old Trafford, Jones scored six goals in 229 appearances as he helped Man Utd to the following five trophies in total;
- 2011 Community Shield
- 2012-13 Premier League
- 2013 Community Shield
- 2015-16 FA Cup
- 2016-17 UEFA Europa League
Injuries however limited Jones’ involvement over the years with the defender only managing five appearances in the last two seasons, during which he has failed to feature in any match this season.
Explaining how difficult this period has been for him, Jones commented: “It’s been very difficult, the last couple of years. There’s no denying that. There is no hiding away from that.
“My family have been absolutely instrumental in keeping me on the straight and narrow and keeping me focused, to try to get fit and try to play more.
“And, you know, I’ve missed playing football. I missed it. You grow up playing football and all you want to do is play football. It’s all I’ve known, from such a young age, is to do what you love doing for a living.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to do that, albeit not as much as I would have liked.”
Jones added that he has “literally left no stone unturned. I tried to get back as quick as I could, every time I was out in the last couple of years.”
The 31 year-old proceeded to describe playing in Utd’s 1-0 defeat at home to Wolves last season as a “highlight” for him, following his return from a serious injury, which he described as “just a moment that I’ll never forget. It gives me goosebumps now, thinking about it.”
Jones eventually paid tribute to the fans for their support at that match and throughout his stint at the club, as he concluded: “That was a huge, huge moment in my career and the fans, that day, were incredible. The love that they showed me for that game, the passion that they showed, was sensational.
“And I can’t thank them enough for that. They’ve been a constant support throughout my time here.”
Jones also penned an open letter to club supporters in which he described wearing the club badge as “an honour”, amidst the mental pressures which sidelined with various injuries and unable to help teammates on the pitch.
Within the open letter, Jones urged fans to stand by Erik ten Hag, as he said: “I wish Erik [ten Hag] and his staff, all the players, the best of luck for the future. He’s building something here and I’ll be watching, supporting and hoping, more than anyone, that he can continue the progress we can all see already.”
Leave a Reply