Phil Jones has announced his retirement from football. (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.)
Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has hung up his boots a year after leaving the Red Devils, confirming his retirement from professional football.
The 32-year-old, who had been without a club since his departure from Old Trafford at the end of the 2022/23 season, had not played for a full year due to injury before exiting United. Despite this, he had not made an official announcement about retiring until now.
Jones has indicated a shift towards coaching, having started his A license in September and recently achieving it. His involvement with Manchester United’s U18s coaching staff last season was evident on social media, where the team clinched both the U18 title and the Premier League Cup.
On BBC Radio 5 Live, Jones spoke openly about his decision to retire, expressing that his playing days ended sooner than he would have liked. “My career finished shorter than I would have liked,” he admitted.
Embracing a positive outlook, Jones shared: “[I am a] glass half full. [I have] completed my A licence 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’ journey with United began when he transferred from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2011. Over his 12-year tenure at the club, he racked up 229 appearances and collected a Premier League title, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and a Europa League title under his belt.
Having progressed through Blackburn’s youth ranks, Jones made 40 first-team appearances before his standout performances secured him a move to Old Trafford, marking the start of an illustrious chapter in his career.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1937399/Man-Utd-Phil-Jones-retirement