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Stones pulled on the City shirt just 11 times last season due to hamstring and foot injuries, which ended his season as early as February.
Manchester City defender John Stones. (X)
Manchester City and England defender John Stones revealed that he contemplated the possibility of hanging up his boots last season as he was plagued by a bout of injuries.
Stones pulled on the City shirt just 11 times last season due to hamstring and foot injuries, which ended his season as early as February.
“Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping,” Stones said.
“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,” he revealed.
“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,” the Englishman said.
Stones has managed to bounce back and break his way back into Pep Guardiola’s side as he has started five games in the ongoing season of the English top-flight.
“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,” he added.
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Stones, who has not played for England since October 2024, was called up by Thomas Tuchel for the Three Lions’ games against Wales at home and Latvia on the road during the upcoming international break, and the stopper-back who has represented England at five major tournaments, will look to make good of his opportunity.
“My love for England, I think it’s difficult to put into words. I love England so much – I love playing for England,” Stones said.
“I have had some of the best moments in my career playing for England [and at] tournaments. When Tuchel said, ‘will I come out and be with the guys and continue my training’, it was a no-brainer,” he said.
“I wanted to be there, be around the guys. He saw it from so many points of view. I hadn’t been around the team [and] he knew that I was lonely training by myself, being in a difficult spot.”
“But also to be a presence, to be someone to speak to, a vent for the younger guys. I suppose knowing that someone [who is not fit] is willing to come and be part of a team, that shows a great deal to the lads that are coming into the squad and what England has and has created over the years,” Stones continued.
“For me to come and show my face, offer advice, be a good team-mate – it was a special moment,” he concluded.
United Kingdom (UK)
October 07, 2025, 14:25 IST
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