Man Utd’s long-serving defender and former England international Phil Jones will leave the Old Trafford side in the summer once his contract runs out

Phil Jones will leave Man Utd at the end of this season (Image: Man Utd)

Phil Jones has written an emotional letter to Man Utd fans after deciding to leave the club in the summer.

The 31-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the current 2022/23 season, after which he will depart Old Trafford following a 12-year stint.

Jones joined the side back in 2011 from Blackburn Rovers and went on to win the Premier League in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last ever season in charge.

Fergie once hailed Jones as potentially becoming ‘the greatest player in United’s history’ and the defender went on to make 229 appearances and win 27 England caps.

But Jones has now decided to leave the club following horrendous injury problems which have seen him make just five appearances in the last two seasons.

And he left the Red Devils faithful feeling emotional with a tear-jerking message posted on his social media.

Phil Jones is set to leave Man Utd after 12 years at Old Trafford (Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

He said: “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.

“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.

Phil Jones has suffered relentless injuries in recent years (Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

“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.

“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.

Phil Jones won the Premier League with Man Utd (Image: (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images))

Phil Jones was known for his valiant defending (Image: Getty Images)

“And I can’t thank them enough for that. They’ve been a constant support throughout my time here.”

The defender’s lengthy statement earned tributes from fans on Twitter, with one writing: “Thank you for all the great memories and always giving your everything for this great club. Today’s players can learn a lot from you.”

Another tweeted: “Nobody could ever question the effort you gave on the pitch Phil, real shame about the injuries but hopefully you can look forward to something new in the future, thanks for the service!”

A third added: “So much potential but riddled with injuries. Good luck, Phil.”

Phil Jones was hande d the memento by Darren FletcherCredit: Instagram

He is leaving Man Utd after 12 years at the club Credit: Instagram

Fletcher had some kind words for JonesCredit: Instagram

Shortly after the announcement on Friday, a video was shared by the club of technical director Fletcher, 39, talking to Jones on the side of the Old Trafford pitch.

He had with him one of Jones’ Man Utd shirts from his Premier League triumph in 2013.