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| Manchester United's Phil Jones revealed he had a blood clot at the start of the season |
PHIL JONES has revealed the “frightening” consequences of being told at the beginning of the season that he had a blood clot.
The Manchester United defender opened up over the nightmare which not only threatened his career but also his life after probably his best game in an England shirt against Spain.
Every day is a bonus for the 23-year-old central defender after believing during United’s pre-season tour in the USA that he just had a simple calf injury.
The eventual diagnosis was to shock him and place his football world on the back burner.
Jones explained: “It was pre season against Barcelona (in the USA) and I just felt some tightness in my calf. It kept coming and didn’t go away, and I thought nothing of it at first.
“I got back to England and a couple of days before we played Tottenham in the first game of the season, I said to the doc it just wasn’t going away. So I had a scan and it was discovered there was a blood clot in the calf.”
“It was pretty frightening at first. Then it was just about doing the right thing, and recovering well and making sure the clot went.”
As part of the treatment Jones was given blood thinning tablets which often produce side affects.
“It is what it is. It’s not from a tackle or a stupid injury. It was just a freak incident.” Jones added. “It’s not a great feeling and it was probably the most frustrating time of my career.
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| Jones thought he had a simple calf injury on the tour of USA but it turned out he had a blood clot |
“I wasn’t able to train with the squad or go anywhere near them. But that’s gone now, that’s in the past.
“I’m looking forward to the future. I’m glad to be back, involved playing.”
He’s also glad to be finally recognized as a centre back rather than a right back or even on the odd occasion under Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson as a defensive midfielder.
All part of the learning curve of being a player at a top club, and making your way as an international player. Not that Jones has any complaints over his embryonic years.
He said: “When I was younger, I didn’t see it as a hindrance (playing in different positions), as many people suggested. I was learning the game; I’m still learning the game.
“But I think now that both managers (Hodgson and Louis van Gaal) realise that maybe centre back is my position. But if I’m asked to play right back or defensive midfield at times, and if I’m needed, I’m always willing to do that.”
Infact it’s said that Jones first impressed the then Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson as a defensive midfielder when his Blackburn Rovers lost 7-1 against Manchester United.
It didn’t put Ferguson off, United paying Rovers £16 million for the then raw Jones.
“Don’t remind me of that game because I don’t like losing.”he added. “I’m just like anyone else in the changing rooms; it hurts, doesn’t matter whether its’ a kickabout in training or in a game situation. It wasn’t a nice day that one.”
Friday night in Alicante wasn’t much better as England were taught a cruel lesson by Spain – that there is still a worrying gap between them and Europe’s big boys.
Jones insists there were some positives stating: “It was difficult to take, coming off the back of a good run as well. We knew it was going to be difficult. They’re a good team. So are we.
“I think for 70 minutes we pretty much matched them, carved out the better opportunities. We have to be ruthless in front of goal. And then Mario scores a wonder goal and it kills us a bit.
“We couldn’t get to grips with their movement, especially when the lads were tired. They scored the second then it was game over.
“There’s still a long way to go until the Euros. There’s a lot to learn and a lot to improve on, but we will. We’ll keep on improving.”
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