Phil Jones says he ‘tried everything’ to get fit enough to play football again but maintained ‘there are bigger things in life’ after announcing his retirement.
It comes as no surprise since Jones hasn’t played since leaving United at the end of the 2022/23 season. His last appearance 12 months earlier in a 3-0 victory over Brentford, making it more than two years since he kicked a ball.
“My career finished shorter than I would have liked,” Jones told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I’m 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, 32, was once seen as one of the most exciting talents in English football after coming through the ranks at Blackburn Rovers. That was when Sir Alex Ferguson thought he spotted a gem before bringing him to Old Trafford in 2011.
He made 229 appearances for United across all competitions, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League. Jones also earned 27 caps for England after representing the Three Lions at three major tournaments.
The club confirmed that he had been released as a player in May 2023.
Jones immediately got involved in coaching in United’s youth setup and he intended to get his coaching badges.
“I literally tried everything, did everything I could. I can never look back and think I should have done this or that. I am solidified in my head that I did everything I could,” Jones added.
“In the end, it reached the point where there are only so many rehabs you can come back from, it takes a toll not just on you but on the family.
“There are bigger things in life than football. It is not a violin moment by any stretch, I’m looking forward to the future.”
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