Phil Jones leaves Man Utd after 12 years and opens up on "difficult" time

19 May 2023 , 09:06

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Manchester United have confirmed that Phil Jones will leave the club at the end of the season.

The centre-back, who joined United from Blackburn in 2011, has made 229 appearances for the club. He has been sidelined through a variety of injuries and has barely played in recent years.

"Our no.4 is now taking some time before deciding his next move and everybody at United would like to wish Phil the very best of luck for the future," the club said in a statement.

Jones said: "It's been very difficult, the last couple of years. There's no denying that. There is no hiding away from that.

Phil Jones leaves Man Utd after 12 years and opens up on "difficult" time eiqxikhiderinv

Phil Jones joined Manchester United in 2011 (Getty Images)

"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.

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"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.

"I've worked tirelessly hard. I 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. I think the highlight for me would have to be the Wolves game [his return from injury last season], when I came back.

Phil Jones has struggled with injuries in recent years (PA)

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"That was just a moment that I'll never forget. It gives me goosebumps now, thinking about it. I mean I worked so, so hard to get to that stage of fitness.

"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 has not played for United's first team since the 3-0 win over Brentford at the end of last season. That was one of just five appearances in the 2021/22 season, while his last campaign of note came back in 2018/19.

The 31-year-old will leave having helped the club win one Premier League title, the FA Cup and the Europa League. He leaves with thoughts of what could have been weighing heavy; back in 2013, after securing the title, Sir Alex Ferguson declared: "Jones, arguably, the way he is looking, could be our best ever player."

Phil Jones has struggled with injuries in recent years

Jones wrote an emotional statement on social media. "My time at United has been nothing short of incredible," he wrote. "When I decided to leave Blackburn, I always wanted to prove myself further. I'd represented my boyhood club, and lived a dream, but I was desperate to show everyone what I could do at the highest level.

"I had this hunger inside me, I was desperate to continue that at a club that could challenge for everything. I had offers from a few places, but I was waiting and waiting for the call from United. One day, on holiday, the phone rang and it was Sir Alex. I left my holiday that day; I couldn't wait to meet him.

"I couldn't wait to sign and, most of all, I couldn't wait to get started. There was only one club where I wanted to continue my journey in the game. To wear this shirt just once, to wear this badge and represent everyone associated with it, was an honour."