After enduring a challenging period marred by injuries, Phil Jones will be parting ways with Manchester United as his contract comes to an end this summer.
The 31-year-old defender, who represented England on 27 occasions, made a total of 229 appearances for the club, scoring six goals.
Having joined Manchester United from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, Jones played an integral role in the team’s triumphant Premier League campaign during the 2012-2013 season.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Jones expressed his unwavering dedication in a recent interview, stating:
“I’ve put in relentless effort – leaving no stone unturned. I strived to make speedy recoveries every time I faced setbacks over the past couple of years.”
Jones’s last appearance for the Red Devils occurred in a 3-0 victory against Brentford at the conclusion of the previous season. Unfortunately, he faced prolonged periods on the sidelines due to injury throughout the current campaign.
In an open letter addressed to Manchester United fans, Jones expressed his heartfelt sentiments, remarking:
“I wish I could have contributed more. I sincerely wish I could have offered greater support to the various squads I played alongside. From the depths of my soul, I can genuinely say that I gave everything I had.”
Acknowledging the immense difficulties he encountered, Jones admitted feeling a sense of disappointment, stating:
“I felt like I was letting people down, and it was challenging for me to even converse with my teammates because I was deeply hurt that I couldn’t assist them.”
He attributed his ability to stay focused and motivated to the unwavering support of his family, who played an instrumental role in his journey to regain fitness and contribute on the field.
Recalling a standout moment in his career, Jones fondly reminisced about his return from injury last season, particularly highlighting the match against Wolves. He remarked:
“That was an unforgettable moment for me. It still gives me goosebumps when I think about it. I dedicated so much effort to reach that level of fitness.
The support from the fans on that day was overwhelming—the love and passion they displayed were extraordinary. I am incredibly grateful to them for their unwavering support throughout my time here.”
Over his 12-year tenure with the club, Jones achieved notable success, including winning the Premier League title in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final campaign with Manchester United.
Additionally, he secured the FA Cup in 2016, the League Cup and Europa League in 2017, and the Community Shield in 2011 and 2013, leaving behind a legacy of achievements during his time at Old Trafford.