Harry Maguire was among the Manchester United players who said goodbye to Phil Jones following his departure from Old Trafford.
A statement on Friday confirmed the 31-year-old will leave the club when his contract expires next month. Jones, who has not played for the Reds this season, was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011.
During his 12-year stay, the defender played alongside some of the club’s all-time greats and helped United win their last league title a decade ago. Jones’ recent years at United have been plagued by injuries and given the current pecking order, an exit looked inevitable this summer.
The former England international penned an emotional farewell letter to supporters on Instagram. An excerpt from his farewell post read: “My time at United has been nothing short of amazing. When I decided to leave Blackburn I always wanted to prove myself even more.
“I had represented my club since I was a boy and I was living a dream but I was desperate to show everyone what I could do at the highest level. To wear that shirt just once, wear that badge and represent everyone associated with it was an honor.
“I wish I could have played more. I wish I could have given more to the many teams I played with. I will say, from the bottom of my heart, I did everything I could. I did everything the medical team asked me to do.
“I wish Eric (ten Hag) and his team, all the players, the best for the future. He’s building something here and I’ll be watching, rooting and hoping, more than anyone else, that he can continue the progress we’re all already seeing.
“I want to thank everyone who helped me at Manchester United, where I made lifelong friends.”
Several teammates – former and current – paid tribute to the defender. Current captain Maguire posted three heart emojis after news of his departure broke.
Scott McTominay called Jones a “legend”, while his former team-mate Jesse Lingard also sent his best wishes. John O’Shea, who left United a month after Jones’ arrival, wrote: “Good luck Phil.”
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