Retirement was in John Stones’ mind following constant injuries that hindered his availability last season.
John Stones admits that he considered retirement from football after a wretched run with injuries last season.
John Stones, a defender for Manchester City and England, admits he thought about quitting due to injury last season.
Due to foot and hamstring problems, Stones only made 11 Premier League games in the previous season; the latter ended his campaign in February.
After Thomas Tuchel took over as manager in January 2024, the 31-year-old has not played for the Three Lions since October 2024, despite having represented England in five major championships.
Stones is included in the team for the World Cup qualifying match against Latvia on Tuesday, October 14 at 19:45 BST, as well as the friendly match against Wales at Wembley on Thursday.
England will advance to the World Cup finals, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, if they win in Riga.
“Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping,” Stones told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I didn’t want to do it. I had had enough of being so professional and trying to do everything right in my power, to then keep breaking down and not having the answers. It was a very difficult place to be in.”
“There comes a point where you don’t know why it happens and it is even harder when you put in so much effort, or you are ultra professional, to be able to play and be available,” Stones continued.
“When that time comes and something happens, it would be easier to say ‘well I didn’t do X, Y and Z that’s why’ – but when you do it, it’s then mentally challenging. Hopefully I don’t go back to that place.”
Stones joined City from Everton in 2016, but injuries have kept him from playing more than 27 games in a single league season.
Despite Stones’ five starts this season, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola seems to prefer a centre-back duo of Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias.
“My emotions were high. I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t think deep down I would have ever done it [retired],” said Stones.
“I said years ago when City wanted me to have a new challenge, I said ‘I am going to fight’. That’s all I have known since I was a kid – why should I stop that now?
“So yes, there is that fight in me and that winning mentality that doesn’t want to stop.”