Man Utd defender ‘feels like a footballer’ after making return
Manchester United defender Phil Jones has revealed he is feeling like a footballer again after making his long awaited return against Wolves on Monday.
The defender made his first start for United in nearly two years in the 1-0 defeat after a series of injuries have halted his career.
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The 29-year-old has revealed how delighted he is to be back in the fold, admitting their have been times where he hasn’t even felt like a footballer.
Speaking to Team Viewer (via Manchester Evening News), Jones said: “You know, I spent so long out, off the pitch and out of the squad – it’s been horrible at times, but it’s nice to be back out with the lads. I feel like a footballer again.
It’s just a great feeling. As soon as you step out, I think I was on the bench for West Ham in the (Carabao) Cup. Even for a cup game at Old Trafford it was absolutely packed and it was just – was sat on the bench and I was thinking ‘God I’ve missed this.’ I’ve missed this feeling of being involved with the stadium and the fans there, the excitement, the buzz. It all came flooding back straight away. ”
“You know the lads, they were great, they were considerate at times and understood the situation I was going through. They know it’s tough, what it’s like to be out for a while, let alone a year or whatever it was.
“I’m more than open to helping players when they’re struggling with different parts of the game. Different things they encounter outside of football. It doesn’t always have to be on the pitch.
“I’m sure the fans see everything that happens on the pitch, but sometimes it’s off the pitch that determines what happens on the pitch.
“I’d like to think that if someone’s struggling, or if one of the young lads needs help, then yeah, for sure I’d always give that advice.
“Any time I represent this club and put the shirt on, I give my absolutely everything and I put my blood, sweat and tears into everything I do for this club.”