Phil Jones reveals leaving the Manchester United WhatsApp group was one of the most difficult moments he faced while hanging up his boots.
In 2011, Phil Jones left his boyhood club Blackburn Rovers to sign for Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, where he went on to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.
Jones spent 12 years at Old Trafford and won 27 caps for England, but injury struggles saw his career come crashing down prematurely as he was forced to retire last summer.
Ferguson had high hopes for Jones and even compared him to United legend Duncan Edwards following his transfer from Blackburn Rovers.
Since his retirement, Jones initially embarked on a sporting director course but has since decided that coaching is his “bread and butter”, with an objective to become a manager.
Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
Phil Jones’ emotional exit from Manchester United group chat
It was a shame to see Phil Jones’ playing career end prematurely. Now, we hear about the difficulties he faced after deciding it was time to call it a day.
The former centre-back admits to being “quite emotional” at the time he left the United WhatsApp group chat, describing it was a “tough moment”.
“You’ve been in the WhatsApp (group) for years, banter, sending people pictures and all sorts, you guys would have a field day,” Jones told The Athletic.
More United News
“I remember sitting in the bedroom, going like: ‘Lads, it’s been a pleasure and blah, blah, blah. Some I’ve played with a lot, some I’ve only just met, but it’s been an absolute pleasure. I wish you all the best and I’ll be your biggest supporter.”
There was no turning back from that point. Jones had made his decision and he knows things move on quickly in football.
“I gave it a minute and there was no response,” Jones added.
“Gone, gone, gone, I’m gone! No one cares. But that’s it. It’s football. Things move so quickly.”
Jones is still going through the transition of jumping from professional football to retirement. His reflections tell us that he misses being involved in the dressing room shenanigans but sadly the injuries were unsustainable.
Jones feels ambitious again
Like any player experiencing retirement, Jones got itchy feet and considered going down the sporting director route before decision it wasn’t for him.
Jones is not focusing on coaching and becoming a manager.
In addition to his comments about leaving United’s WhatsApp group, Jones admits he is now in a great place and feels ambitious towards the future.
“Now, I’m in a great place. I know exactly what I want to do. I’m ambitious, (just) as I was as a player.”
Jones went to explain that he’d like to manage a team that is “aggressive, intense, flexible” with a winning mentality.