Phil Jones has revealed he has retired from professional football as the former Manchester United and England centre-back added that he wants to pursue a career in coaching.
The 32-year-old assumed a role on the sidelines last September when he took charge of the Red Devils’ under-14 and under-18 teams, working under lead coach Adam Lawrence.
The defender, who often showed his versatility by filling in at full-back or in midfield, made 229 appearances in an injury-hit 12 years at the club.
Jones was part of the team which won the Premier League in 2012-13, as legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson walked away after 27 years at the club, and in the next decade added a Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup to his trophy cabinet.
But now the Premier League icon, whose unusual style of defending often made him a figure of light-hearted fun among fans, has hung up his boots for the final time, revealing the news during an interview on BBC Radio 5 Live.
