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Manchester United confirm departure of Phil Jones.
Manchester United have confirmed Phil Jones will leave the club at the end of the 2023/24 season.
The centre-back will leave at the end of his current contract, bringing an end to his up-and-down 12 years at Old Trafford.
Speaking to club channels, Jones said: “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.
“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. 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, at 31 years old, last played for Man Utd in a 3-0 victory against Brentford at the close of the 2021–2022 season. Jones has not appeared for Man Utd at all this season under Erik ten Hag.
He was a member of the final Man Utd team to win the Premier League when he transferred from Blackburn Rovers to Old Trafford in 2011 as one of the nation’s most highly anticipated defensive talents.
Over the course of 229 games, Jones has amassed five trophies with the Red Devils: the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Europa League, and two Community Shields. He has also received 27 England caps and has competed in three major competitions, including the 2018 World Cup.
Jones is due a testimonial, but it was reported back in 2019 by The Athletic that he turned it down as he only believed his mum and dad would show up.
You'll always be a Red, @PhilJones4 ❤️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 19, 2023