Manchester United have announced that a current member of their first-team squad will be leaving at the end of the season.
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The Red Devils have confirmed the news that 31-year-old centre-back Phil Jones will part ways with the club when his contract expires in June.
You'll always be a Red, @PhilJones4 ??#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 19, 2023
Jones joined United from Blackburn Rovers as a promising young defender in 2011 and has since amassed 229 appearances across all competitions for the club.
Speaking to the Red Devils' official website, he said: "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.
"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.
"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. I think the highlight for me would have to be the [his return from injury last season], 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."
The 27-time England international saw his progress at United severely hampered by injuries, and has not turned out for the team since last season.
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