Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones received a sporting director diploma.

According to The Sun: Phil Jones graduated from the PFA business school on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old former Manchester United player received a diploma in sporting directing at a ceremony held at Arsenal's Emirates stadium.

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Jones's career was cut short due to continuous knee injuries. He announced his retirement in 2024, having played only five games in four years.

After retiring, Jones successfully completed his course at the PFA.

Receiving his diploma, Phil shared his emotions:

“This is a proud moment for me - to graduate today. I decided to do this when I retired. I really enjoyed it, it was a great opportunity for networking and learning. I am excited about the opportunities it will open up in the future.”

 

“When I stopped playing, I asked myself: 'What now?'. I enjoy the coaching side of the game and I am still very ambitious in that, but I needed something else. This gave me the focus I needed.”

 

“I contacted the PFA when I found out about the course, and it was something I was really interested in; something I could really get involved in.”

 

“I really like the technical aspects of the sporting director role, and perhaps in the future I would like to take on that role.”

This year, Yoane Wissa and Ilkay Gundogan also graduated.

Even during his playing career, Jones started thinking about his future.

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The defender, who suffered from injuries, is now working with United's youth team from the 2023-24 season.

In addition to his PFA diploma, Jones is also training in the UEFA Pro License program.

Speaking about his new path, Phil noted:

“You find yourself at home, and your wife looks at you and says: 'What are you doing today?'. You get used to being active, being out of the house and traveling. It wasn't easy.”

 

“Footballers are like robots: you are on one training ground, then on another, and then again for a match, for training… The first few weeks of resting were fine, but then I started to get bored.”

 

“That's why I chose the director's path, to give myself a different focus in football. But my true passion is the pitch, and that is what I truly love.”

Ready for the challenge

Regarding working with United's youth team, Jones added:

“It's something they allow me to do and something I wanted to do to broaden my horizons in coaching and see how they do it.”

 

“I feel ready for the challenge now.”

Jones has also started commentating on football matches after his retirement.

The former Premier League champion appeared on the 'Match of the Day' show and worked for Sky Sports, recently commenting on United's shocking performance in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby.

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This way, Phil Jones not only gained new education but also actively developed his career off the pitch. Under his guidance, the youth team can acquire new skills, and his commentary work allows him to stay updated in the football world. His experience and ambitions can become valuable assets in the sports world, especially in the role of sporting director, which he hopes to reach.