'The last time I cried' - Phil Jagielka opens up on pain of Sheffield United's relegation from Premier League in 2007

Jagielka was a key man for United in their last Premier League season 13 years ago, but he unwittingly played a part in their relegation on the final day of the 2006/07 season when he was penalised for handball against Wigan.

David Unsworth, his former United teammate, scored from the spot as United lost 2-1, and were subsequently relegated - spending 12 years out of the top-flight before promotion last season.

Jagielka spent the next dozen years at Everton, winning caps for England, before returning to Bramall Lane in the summer.

Although his only Premier League start came in a 3-3 draw with Manchester United at Bramall Lane, when his fellow centre-half John Egan was injured, his experience has proved vital in a United squad that was otherwise lacking in top-flight nous.

And, in an interview aired this afternoon on Talksport, Jagielka was asked the last time he cried.

"I cried when Sheffield United got relegated," Jagielka admitted. "That was the last time I cried on a football pitch.

"I felt really bad at the time and never opened that box again, for many years.

"I just carried on moving forwards but I don't think I dealt with it at all.

"I drove away and tried to pretend it didn't happen. The club had given me so much and to feel that we'd failed was tough to take."

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