“I found it hard to even speak to my team-mates” – Manchester United star admits he felt ‘hurt’ at Old Trafford as he pens emotional farewell letter
Manchester United centre back Phil Jones admitted he felt hurt he couldn't help his side out more due to his injury issues. He said this in an emotional open letter posted on Twitter to the Old Trafford faithful this morning (May 19).
It was revealed earlier today that Phil Jones would be leaving Manchester United after 12 seasons at the club. His contract expires at the end of June, and he will be leaving as a free agent after years of various injury issues, which have hampered his career.
Jones has made 229 appearances for Manchester United, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists. He has also won five trophies for the Red Devils, including the Premier League title.
Phil Jones has only made 13 appearances since the 2018-19 season and hasn't featured since the end of last season for the club due to a knee injury. He penned an open letter to the fans where he revealed his struggles and emotions dealing with his injuries:
"I wish I could have played more. I wish I could have given more to the many squads I played alongside. I will say, from the bottom of my heart, I did everything I could. I did everything the medical team asked of me."
He added:
"I spent some difficult days away from my family, rehabilitating and recovering away from everyone, recuperating away from the training pitch, which I was desperate to get back to. I've said before that I found it hard to even speak to my team-mates, I was hurt that I couldn't help them. I was hurt that my family couldn't see me on the matchdays, you feel like you're letting people down."
His full open letter can be read below:
Letter to the fans. https://t.co/fmNV1eR9np
While the 31-year-old won't quite leave as a club legend, Manchester United fans will undoubtedly appreciate his efforts and commitment to the club. It is currently unknown which club he plans on joining next.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag refuses to rule out possibility of signing Marcel Sabitzer
Erik ten Hag has refused to rule out the possibility of signing Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer on a permanent transfer in the summer. The Austrian captain joined the Red Devils on loan in January and impressed the Old Trafford faithful.
The 29-year-old scored three goals in 18 appearances and was able to be versatile in the midfield, playing a number of positions (as a six, eight, and 10). However, his season was cut short due to a meniscus injury.
Sabitzer is under contract at Bayern till 2025, so it isn't confirmed if Manchester United will push for a permanent transfer in the summer. Erik ten Hag was asked about the possibility in a pre-match press conference. He replied (via Manchester Evening News):
"We will see, but it's not our main focus."
Manchester United next face Bournemouth away on May 20.