Liam Duckstein
Manchester City centre-back John Stones has revealed that he came close to retiring from football last season after a series of frustrating injuries left him questioning his future in the game.
The 31-year-old endured one of the toughest campaigns of his career, missing large parts of the season with persistent foot and hamstring problems. He featured just 24 times across all competitions for City and England before his season was cut short in February.
“I Thought About Stopping” — Stones Reflects on a Dark Period
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Stones admitted that the relentless setbacks had taken a mental toll: “Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping. I had had enough of being so professional and doing everything right, only to keep breaking down and not having the answers.”
For a player renowned for his professionalism and consistency under Pep Guardiola, the repeated injuries created a sense of helplessness. “It’s even harder when you put in so much effort to stay fit and something still happens,” he added. “It becomes mentally challenging. Hopefully I don’t go back to that place.”
John Stones Injury. Source: Official Website
Back on Track and Hungry for More
Now fully fit, Stones could make his first appearance under new England manager Thomas Tuchel in Thursday’s friendly against Wales or next week’s World Cup qualifier in Latvia. His return is a welcome boost for both club and country — especially as England prepare for a crucial qualification run.
Since joining City from Everton in 2016, Stones has played a vital role in their modern era of dominance, collecting six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two League Cups, and a Champions League trophy. Yet despite his success, he hasn’t managed more than 27 league appearances in a single season since arriving at the Etihad.
The Fighter Mentality Remains
Despite contemplating retirement, Stones admits that walking away was never truly an option. “My emotions were high. I wasn’t thinking straight. Deep down, I don’t think I’d ever have done it,” he said. “I’ve always been a fighter — that’s all I’ve known since I was a kid. Why stop now?”
That drive to keep going hasn’t gone unnoticed. Tuchel, who took charge of the national team earlier this year, kept Stones involved even when he couldn’t play, inviting him to join the squad for training during games against Andorra and Senegal. “It was a special moment,” Stones said. “I love England so much. Some of my best career moments have come playing for my country.”
Looking Ahead
With his injury woes behind him and his confidence restored, Stones is eager to prove that his best football is still to come. His resilience embodies the mentality that has defined both Manchester City’s success and England’s defensive core in recent years.
Fans will be watching closely as the centre-back looks to write a new chapter — one driven not by pain and doubt, but by the same determination that has made him a six-time Premier League champion.