Former Manchester United and England star Phil Jones has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32.
Jones, who began his career at Blackburn Rovers before pitching up at Old Trafford in a £16million move in 2011, has been without a club since concluding his injury-plagued 12-year tenure at Manchester United last year.
During his time with the Red Devils, the versatile defender made 229 appearances but was limited to just six Premier League matches in his final four seasons due to various injuries.
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Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Jones said: “The career finished shorter than I would have liked.
“It was disappointing, obviously, but it’s easy to look at it glass half empty, so (I have a) glass half full view on it at the minute.”
Asked if he was now officially retired, Jones replied: “Yeah, I think it’s pretty obvious I struggled towards the end of my career.
“I gave everything I’ve got, left no stone unturned and unfortunately it ended how it did.”
Jones earned 27 caps for the England national team, participating in Euro 2012 and the World Cups in 2014 and 2018.
He was also part of the Manchester United squad that clinched the Premier League title in 2013.
Looking to the future, Jones has begun pursuing a coaching career, aiming for a managerial role.
“I completed my (UEFA) A Licence last season, worked with the (under) 18s (at United) a little bit, which was really good, valuable experience, I enjoyed it,” he shared.
“I fancy myself going into the coaching and ultimately taking charge of a team.
“But I know there are steps to get there and I’m willing to take that and I’m determined to get there.”
