PHIL JONES has opened up on his Manchester United injury hell after his exit from the club was confirmed.
Jones, 30, has been beset by persistent injuries during his 12-year stay at Old Trafford.
And this season he has not featured once for the Red Devils despite his best efforts to regain his fitness.
But with his free transfer exit now confirmed, Jones has opened up on his injury hell while also penning an emotional tribute to fans.
He told the Man Utd website: “It’s been very difficult, the last couple of years. There’s no denying that. There is no hiding away from that.
“My family have been absolutely instrumental in keeping me on the straight and narrow and keeping me focused, to try to get fit and try to play more.
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“And, you know, I’ve missed playing football. I missed it. You grow up playing football and all you want to do is play football.
“It’s all I’ve known, from such a young age, is to do what you love doing for a living. I’ve been fortunate enough to do that, albeit not as much as I would have liked.”
Shedding some light on his work behind the scenes, he revealed: “I’ve worked tirelessly hard.
“I literally left no stone unturned. I tried to get back as quick as I could, every time I was out in the last couple of years.”
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Jones’ last appearance in a United shirt came off the bench in a 3-0 win against Brentford at the end of last season.
Reflecting on his comeback from injury last season, when he played against Wolves at Old Trafford, Jones admitted the atmosphere he got left him with “goosebumps”.
He added: “I think the highlight for me would have to be the Wolves game, when I came back.
“That was just a moment that I’ll never forget. It gives me goosebumps now, thinking about it.
“I mean I worked so, so hard to get to that stage of fitness.
“That was a huge, huge moment in my career and the fans, that day, were incredible.
“The love that they showed me for that game, the passion that they showed, was sensational.
“And I can’t thank them enough for that. They’ve been a constant support throughout my time here.”
United signed off on their Jones tribute by saying: “Our no.4 is now taking some time before deciding his next move and everybody at United would like to wish Phil the very best of luck for the future.”
They later posted a touching tribute to Jones on Instagram, with former team-mate Darren Fletcher handing him a memento of his time at the club.
After signing from Blackburn in 2011, Jones helped United to win the league title in 2013, with Sir Alex Ferguson likening Jones to Red Devils icon Duncan Edwards.
In total he made 229 appearances in a Red Devils shirt, scoring six goals and adding ten assists.
Reacting to the news online, fans gave their thanks to Jones.
One said: “Thank you for [your] services Phil, a true Red ❤.”
A second typed: “Good luck Phil! ❤️.”
“Thank you Phil @PhilJones4, doesn’t matter what people said. You are Man United legend 👹,” commented a third.
A fourth declared: “You’ve been a great servant and I’m sorry the injuries over the last few years have hampered you massively.
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“If you had a testimonial, more people would go than you would imagine.”
Another added: “Thank you for everything legend 👏🏽.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
