BREAKING NEWS: Manchester United CONFIRMS Phil Jones is leaving the club this summer as he admits it’s been ‘difficult’ not to play and plans to take time off before deciding his career
- The centre-back made 229 appearances after joining Blackburn in 2011
- But he has only played five times in the last three and a half years due to injury
- Phil Jones reveals he couldn’t even TALK to his Manchester United teammates
Manchester United have confirmed that Phil Jones is leaving Old Trafford after 12 years at the club.
Jones is United’s longest serving player having joined Blackburn Rovers in June 2011 in a £16.5million deal.
But the 31-year-old former England defender has only played five times in the past three-and-a-half years due to chronic knee problems, and was expected to be released at the end of his contract in June. 30.
“It has been very difficult for the past two years. We cannot deny it. There’s no hiding from that,’ said Jones, who made 229 appearances for United and scored six goals.
“My family have been absolutely essential in keeping me on track and keeping me focused, trying to get me in shape and trying to play more.”
Manchester United have confirmed Phil Jones will leave this summer after 12 years at the club
Jones won the Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson and leaves after 229 appearances
The centre-back has opened up on his attempt to get back into shape after his many setbacks
“And, you know, I missed playing football. I missed it.
“You grow up playing football and all you want to do is play football. That’s all I’ve known, from such a young age, is doing what you love to do in life. I had the chance to do it, but not as much as I would have liked.
‘I worked tirelessly. I literally left no stone unturned. I’ve tried to come back as quickly as possible every time I’ve been away for the past two years.
Jones made a brief comeback last year, starting with an emotional comeback against Wolves.
“I think the highlight for me should be the Wolves game,” he added.
“It was just a moment that I will never forget. It gives me goosebumps now, thinking about it. I mean, I worked so, so hard to get to this point of fitness.
Jones has been plagued by injuries during his time at United and will now consider his next steps
The defender has struggled for regular minutes under various United managers due to his fitness
Speaking after his departure was announced, Jones also thanked the “incredible” United supporters.
“It was a huge, huge moment in my career and the fans that day were amazing. The love they showed me for this game, the passion they showed, was amazing. And I can’t thank them enough for that.They have been a constant support throughout my time here.
United have confirmed Jones will take time to consider his next move after Mail Sport revealed he faces a battle to save his playing career.
He must now decide whether to quit or try to relaunch his career elsewhere.
Jones, who was linked with a move to Bordeaux last summer, is only likely to be offered a pay-as-you-go deal due to his lengthy layoff caused by a cartilage problem in his right knee that required two operations.
