Phil Jones sends emotional message to Manchester United fans as Old Trafford exit is confirmed
Phil Jones penned an emotional tribute to Manchester United supporters as his exit from the club was officially confirmed.
Jones will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season after a 12-year spell where he made 229 appearances, scoring six times.
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But the 31-year-old - who recently turned down a testimonial with the club - has started just two games in three years due to an ongoing knee injury and has not trained with the first-team for the entirety of this season.
With his last game for the club coming in the 3-0 win over Brentford at the end of last season, Jones' Man United career will be brought to an end this summer when his contract expires.
And he took to social media for the first time since 2017 to express his gratitude to the club and its fans.
“My time at United has been nothing short of incredible,” Jones confessed. “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. I will say from the bottom of my heart, I did everything I could. I did everything the medical team asked of me.”
Jones is Man United's current longest-serving player, having been signed for £16.5million from Blackburn Rovers in 2011 amid Sir Alex Ferguson’s bold claim that he 'could be our best-ever player'.
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He is one of only two players left in the Red Devils squad who played under Fergie - the other being David De Gea.
After a strong start to life at Old Trafford that included lifting the Premier League title in 2013, Jones went on to represent England 27 times and was part of the Three Lions’ squad for the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.
Jones added: “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.
The outgoing defender – who is yet to make a decision on his next destination – had some final words for his teammates and boss Erik ten Hag as United’s rebuild shows signs of taking shape.
“I wish Erik and his staff, and 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.”
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