Phil Jones, the former Manchester United and England centre-back, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32.
Advertisement
Following a career that spanned 12 years at Old Trafford, Jones is now set to pursue a career in coaching.
Jones, who joined Manchester United from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, made 229 appearances for the club.
His tenure included winning the Premier League in the 2012-13 season under Sir Alex Ferguson, as well as securing a Europa League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
Despite a career often marred by injuries, Jones was known for his versatility, filling roles across the defence and midfield.
Advertisement
In a recent interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, Jones expressed his disappointment at his career ending earlier than he had hoped but remained optimistic. “My career finished shorter than I would have liked,” he said. “It was disappointing obviously but it’s easy to look at it glass half empty. I’m glass half full.”
Since September 2023, Jones has been working with Manchester United’s under-14 and under-18 teams as an assistant coach, gaining valuable experience. He has also completed his A license and is keen to take on a more significant role in coaching.
Jones, who has not played since the end of the 2021-22 season, also earned 27 caps for England. He participated in three major tournaments, including the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.
With his retirement now confirmed, Jones is focusing on his new journey in football coaching.
Leave a Reply