Phil Jagielka has agreed join pre-season training with Bolton Wanderers after being released by Sheffield United. The Blades icon will leave Bramall Lane officially on Thursday when his contract expires, bringing an end on his second stint in South Yorkshire. It was announced earlier in June that the 38-year-old was being released, which led to tributes pouring in from United fans online. At the start of August, Jagielka was coy on whether he would be officially retiring after two decades as a professional footballer.
Phil Jagielka said: “It all depends again. I’ve spoken to people around me and everyone’s encouraging me to continue but it’s all about what’s on the table. I’ll put my CV out there and see who’s interested and if no-one’s interested that I’m wanting, it’ll be time to hang them up.”
Jagielka himself admitted he’d have liked to remain at United for another season but was informed prior to Slavisa Jokanovic’s arrival that his time at the club would be coming to an end.
Phil Jagielka said: “I was hoping to extend my stay for another year. When I found out I wouldn’t be kept on we didn’t have a manager. That’s changed now (with the appointment of Slavisa Jokanovic) which is a positive thing for the club, but I knew a couple of weeks ago the journey was going to end and it was an emotional time. It was nice to get the chance to say goodbye. It would have been nice to get the chance to play a part in what will hopefully be a successful season for the club next year, but that won’t be the case and I’ll have to watch from afar.”
