Former Manchester United star Phil Jones will suit up for England again - but on a golf green with a club in hand. The 32-year-old retired from football last year due to persistent knee injuries that plagued his career. He will join golf star Lee Westwood's England team for March's Icons Series at Reignwood Park in Bangkok, Thailand.
Jones will be joined by England legends and former Three Lions teammates as they look to topple Sergio Garcia's World roster, which includes Ruud Gullit, Luis Figo, and ex-Red Devils teammate Nemanja Vidic. "I've always been a passionate golfer," Jones told The Mirror ahead of this year's event.
"It's always something that I've loved to do in my spare time when you're playing football, but obviously, you don't get enough time to play golf when you're playing. So, obviously, now I've retired, it's given me a chance to play a little bit more. I love the game.
"I love everything about the game. I love the competitive streak you can have with friends, and I've played in a few pro-ams post-career. You always get those little jitters and those little nerves before the start of a game, and I don't think there's anything that can relate to that.
"I think standing on the first tee in front of a few people on the first tee box, the nerves start feeling the same and coming back a little bit, which I like. I like those nerves and those feelings you get before a game, and I think golf, especially in an environment like the Icons, will definitely give me that.".
