After a staggering 12 years at Manchester United, Phil Jones is set to be released by the club.
Once being tipped to become the greatest Manchester United defender ever, the Englishman did not live up to expectations due to chronic injuries that proved to be a detriment to his once promising career.
Phil Jones joined Manchester United in the 2011/12 summer transfer window for an undisclosed fee which was believed to be around £16.5 million.
His performances attracted Manchester United coach then Sir Alex Ferguson.
Sir Alex Ferguson was impressed with Jones’ style of play while he was at Blackburn, such a young stalwart at the heart of defense.
After joining United, Phil Jones was beginning to impress fans, his teammates as well as blending into the style of play, however a career-defining injury ensured he didn’t live up to his full potential.
After joining United in June 2011, he would go on to make 29 appearances in the Premier League that season, eventually losing the title on goal difference to rivals Manchester City.
Phil Jones was highly maligned in the 2017/18 season after his foul on Eden Hazard led to a penalty which decided the outcome of the FA Cup final.
He won the Premier League title in 2013 with Manchester United – one of the three major trophies he won with the club.
Jones released a lengthy emotional letter thanking the fans for their support over the years.
He wrote: “I thought about how best to present my words to everyone and felt that I wanted to reach the fans who have supported me throughout my time at Manchester United.
“It’s always tough to leave a club. I did so already with Blackburn Rovers, all those years ago aged only 19, but I could never imagine what was to follow.
“My time at United has been nothing short of incredible. 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 and I was desperate to continue that at a club that could challenge for everything. I had offers from a few clubs but I was waiting and waiting for the call from United. One day, on holiday, the phone rang from 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.
“I wish I could have played more. I wish I could have given more to the many squads I played alongside. will say, from the bottom of my heart, I did everything I could. did everything the medical team asked of me.
He additionally wrote: “never left a stone unturned in the pursuit of living my dream and representing Manchester United on the pitch. I spent some difficult days away from my family, rehabilitating and recovering away from everyone, recuperating away from the training pitch, which I was desperate to get back to.
“I’ve said before that I found it hard to even speak to my team-mates, I was hurt that I couldn’t help them. I was hurt that my family couldn’t see me on the match days, you feel like you’re letting people down.
“Sometimes, in life, things happen that we don’t like, but we have to learn to accept it and be at peace in our minds that we did everything we could to overcome the challenges. In your career, and life, that’s all we can really do.
“The road can be rocky and throw you off track. It’s about getting up from setbacks and keeping going. This is a lesson I’ll push into my next challenges, for whatever lies ahead.
“I lived a dream at the biggest club in the world. I played for England in major tournaments. At United, I won trophies, most notably the Premier League under Sir Alex, in his final season.
“It’s not a time to be sad, it’s a time to look back, for me and my family, and be happy that I managed to live a dream at United. I can always say to my family and friends that not many people get to play for this club, to always be in its history and to be able to look back with such happy memories.
“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.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me at Manchester United, where I’ve made friends for life.
“But, most of all, my family, who stuck by me through everything. The biggest one to my wife and two beautiful girls, I cannot put into words the support you’ve given me. We’ve stuck together and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Phil Jones last outing for Manchester United was against Brentford on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign.
The 31-year-old English International made a total of 229 appearances for the club, as well as winning 27 England caps.
His 12 years at the club makes him the longest serving player at the club just ahead of David De Gea who joined two weeks after him.
Phil Jones hasn’t played for up to a year and has made just five appearances in the past three-and-a-half years due to his knee injury issues.
The thought of his exit from United was born when he was left out of United’s squad this season and has not even been able to train under Erik Ten Hag since the Dutchman took over in June.
It was further confirmed when he was left out of the club’s retained list which will be released before the end of the season.
Phil Jones will become a free agent when his contract expires on the 30th of June 2023.
Who is Phil Jones and when was he born?
Philip Anthony Jones was born on the 21st of February 1992 and he is an English professional footballer who plays for Premier League club Manchester United.
The net worth of Phil Jones and his present transfer value
His current Net Worth is about £18 million, his current market value according to transfermarkt is around £1.8 million.
Is he married and does he have any child?
Phil Jones is currently happily married to Kaya Hall, they got married in 2017 and since then the couple have only one lovely child.
Phil Jones’ daughter Alaria Jones was born on the 31st of May in 2018.
More information about his personal life is not known to the public due to how confidential he keeps his personal information.
