Phil Jones insists he is 'ready to play again' following his successful injury return for Manchester United this season. The 30-year-old went nearly two years between playing competitive matches before he shone in the Premier League defeat against Wolves back in January.
Jones impressed as he made his first appearance for the club in 712 days to complete a remarkable return from injury when it had looked like his professional career might have been over.
A month later, Jones was also given a half-hour run out as United lost on penalties to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, though he has yet to play again for the club in the two months since that defeat.
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The former Blackburn Rovers defender turned down a move to French side Bordeaux in the January transfer window, but could look to finally leave United this summer as he goes in search of regular football.
When asked what interim manager Ralf Rangnick made of his injury return, Jones told The Guardian: "He was very complimentary. He said he was pleased to see me back and I deserved a chance. But let’s see what happens. I’m hoping I can get some game time and I’m giving everything in training every day.
“I’m still only 30 and I’ve missed a lot of football. I’m hoping to recapture some form and enjoy playing football. When I was out injured it was a difficult time but I’ll never give up. I feel like I’m still good enough and I’ve got a lot to give. So I’m hopeful. I’m ready to play again.”
When asked what he made of the match, Jones admitted his long-awaited return to the pitch felt just as good as winning the Premier League.
He added: "I felt great and inspired by the atmosphere at Old Trafford. Playing in front of those fans, I know how much it means to them. I understand what they expect from us. I thought I did well in the game, especially considering I’d not played in 15 months. I had no fear because I was so happy to be on the pitch. I could have played not so great and that would have still been an achievement. But I thought I did really well.
“For me, personally, that was as big an achievement as winning the league. People might think: ‘What are you talking about?’ But to come back from where I was at, in a dark place, makes it special.”
