Football

‘I thought about stopping’, Stones opens up on injury frustration

England and Manchester City defender, John Stones, has revealed that he considered retiring from football last season following a string of injuries that left him mentally and physically drained.

The 31-year-old managed only 11 Premier League appearances last season due to persistent foot and hamstring problems, the latter ruling him out since February.

Stones speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said, “Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping.

“I didn’t want to do it. I had had enough of being so professional and trying to do everything right, to then keep breaking down and not having the answers. It was a difficult place to be in.”

Stones, who has earned 83 England caps, has been part of the national setup since 2014 but has not featured since October 2024.

He was recalled by new England boss Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming friendly against Wales and the World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

Stones admitted the repeated injury setbacks had taken a toll on his mindset. “There comes a point where you don’t know why it keeps happening. When you’ve done everything possible to stay fit, and it still happens, it’s mentally challenging,” he said.

“Hopefully, I don’t go back to that place.”

Stones has struggled with injuries throughout his career, never surpassing 27 league appearances in a season since joining Manchester City from Everton in 2016.

Despite limited game time this term, Stones remains determined to keep fighting for his place both at the club and international level.

He said, “My emotions were high. I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t think I would have ever really stopped. I’ve always fought since I was a kid, why stop now?”

Tuchel, who has left out big names like Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in recent call-ups, still values Stones’ experience and leadership.

The manager invited him to join the England squad in Spain earlier this year, even while injured, recognising his influence in the dressing room.

“My love for England, I think it’s difficult to put into words,” Stones said.

“I’ve had some of the best moments of my career playing for England. When Tuchel asked me to come to the camp and train, it was a no-brainer. I wanted to be there, be around the guys, offer advice, and be a good teammate.”

England face Wales in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday before travelling to Riga for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia, matches that could see Stones make his long-awaited return to international action.

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