Phil Jones reportedly earned millions from his image rights during his time at Manchester United.
Jones, 32, recently announced his retirement from professional football after being without a club since leaving Old Trafford on the back of the 22/23 season.
He said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “My career finished shorter than I would have liked.
“It was disappointing obviously but it's easy to look at it glass half empty. [I'm] glass half full. [I have] completed my A license last season, worked with the U18s which was really good. Valuable experience, I enjoyed it.”
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Jones added: “Ultimately I want to get back out there and challenge myself. I fancy myself going into the coaching and taking charge of a team.
“I know the steps to get there and I'm willing to take that.”
When asked if he had officially retired, the ex-England star said: “Yeah. I think it was pretty obvious that I struggled towards the end of my career. I gave everything I've got. Left no stone unturned and unfortunately it ended how it did.”
Despite the lack of minutes during his final season with United, Jones managed to make millions off the pitch.
As reported by the Daily Mail in 2023, the former defender picked up £4.2 million from his image rights.
Paul Pogba, his former teammate at United, has reportedly retained a UK image rights company with assets worth £5 million, including £2.4 million in cash.
The report also stated that Frenchman Anthony Martial netted £8 million from his image rights following his move to the Premier League club in 2015.
At the start of last season, Jones confirmed he was doing his coaching badges.
On social media, he wrote: “Great to begin the global football sport directorship course with the PFA business school, learning new things about the game, whilst also continuing to push ahead with my A licence and badges at the club that gave me so much.
“Excited to get started.”
Topics: Phil Jones, Manchester United, Football
Marcus Chan