Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has announced his retirement from football at the age of 32.
Jones, who spent the 2023/24 season in a coaching role with the Red Devils’ academy, spent 12 years as a senior player at Old Trafford, making 229 appearances and winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.
However, he only played 13 times in his final three seasons at United due to multiple long-term injury problems, and left as a free agent in 2023.
Jones did not sign for a new club, instead undertaking the global football sport directorship course and working as a coach for United’s Under-14s and Under-18s.
In a chat with the BBC on Saturday, Jones has officially confirmed his retirement and will pursue a new career in coaching.
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“My career finished shorter than I would have liked,” he said. “[I’m] glass half full. [I have] completed my A license and I want to get out there and challenge myself in coaching.
“Ultimately I want to take charge of a team. I am determined to get there.”
Jones added: “I did everything I could [to return to playing] but with so many rehabs I was coming back from, it has an effect on you and your family.”
Jones came to limelight as a 17-year-old for Blackburn in 2009 after seven years in the club’s youth system.
He signed for United in a £16.5million deal in 2011 after impressing legendary Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
But a chronic knee problem ultimately ruined Jones career and stopped him from playing regularly by his late twenties.
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