Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has announced his retirement from football after repeated attempts to recover from injuries proved unsuccessful and affected him and his family.
The versatile defender had his career interrupted by several injuries that kept him out many times:
“My career finished shorter than I would have liked.”
“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.”
The 32-year-old, who has not been actively playing since leaving Manchester United at the end of the 2022-23 season, now focuses on coaching as his next step after earning a coaching license.
“[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, who joined Manchester United from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, made 288 club appearances, the majority with Manchester United.
With the Red Devils, he won the Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield, and UEFA Europa League.
With the Three Lions of England, he was capped 27 times from 2011 to 2018.
