Phil Jones has sent an emotional message to Manchester United fans after the club confirmed he will depart at the end of the season. The former England international was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer of 2011 and was once billed as potentially the greatest player in United’s history by the legendary Scot. A succession of debilitating injuries hindered Jones’ career, however, to the extent whereby he was unfairly painted as a figure of fun, derided by the likes of Rio Ferdinand for taking up space in United’s squad. The truth, however, could not have been more different as Jones battled tirelessly behind the scenes to prove his worth and attempt to regain full fitness. Jones made an emotional, short-lived comeback against Wolves last season when Ralf Rangnick was in charge and he insists the reception he received that day represents one of the highlights of his 12-year Old Trafford career.
‘It’s been very difficult, the last couple of years,’ Jones told United’s official website. ‘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. 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.’
Phil Jones will leave Manchester United after 12 years at the end of the season, with his future unclear as to whether or not he will prolong his playing career. The reception he received from United fans when he made his emotional return against Wolves last season will remain one of the highlights of his 12-year Old Trafford career, and he has thanked them for their constant support throughout his time at the club. For more stories like this, check our sport page and follow Metro Sport on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.