Manchester United have confirmed that long-serving defender Phil Jones will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of June.
The 31-year-old made the move to Old Trafford from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, and he has represented the Red Devils on 229 occasions, scoring six goals and registering 10 assists in the process.
Jones has also won the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League and two Community Shields during his time with Man United, but he has only featured five times over the last three seasons due to injuries.
The Englishman has not been involved for Erik ten Hag's side this term, with his last appearance for the club coming on the final weekend of last season against Brentford.
Jones's deal with the 20-time English champions is due to expire at the end of June, and it has now been confirmed that he will depart on a free transfer.
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"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," Jones told MUTV.
"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 Wolves game [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.
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"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."
Man United's official website said that Jones would be "taking some time before deciding his next move".
A troublesome knee injury has prevented him from being involved this season, and Ten Hag said during his press conference on Friday that he had only seen the defender train for "20 minutes".
"Yes, (I saw him in training for) 20 minutes, first training of the year! He has a great career, what he achieved, winning the FA Cup, winning Europa League being present at two World Cups, massive career at Man United. All the credits for his career," said the Dutchman.
Jones has also been capped on 27 occasions by England, although he has not been involved for the national side since 2018.
Matt Law
