John Stones Opens Up On Injury Battles And Retirement Thoughts

‎Manchester City defender, John Stones, has revealed he nearly retired last season after struggling to cope with recurring injuries.

‎The 31-year-old endured a difficult campaign, spending long spells on the sidelines with foot and hamstring problems.

‎He managed only 24 appearances for club and country before his season was cut short in February.

‎He is fit again and could make his first appearance under England manager Thomas Tuchel in the friendly against Wales on Thursday or next week’s World Cup qualifier in Latvia.

‎”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, only to 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’s even harder when you put in so much effort, or you are ultra professional, to be able to play and be available.

‎”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’ Career so far

‎Since joining Manchester City from Everton in 2016, Stones has never made more than 27 league appearances in a single season.

‎During his time at the Etihad, he has collected six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two League Cups, and a Champions League medal.

‎The centre-back, who has represented England at five major tournaments, admitted he soon realised he couldn’t give up the game he loves.

‎”My emotions were high. I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t think deep down I would have ever done it,” he said.

‎”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.”

‎England manager, Thomas Tuchel, gave Stones a watching brief as a non-playing member of his squad for the games against Andorra and Senegal at the end of last season.

‎It was a gesture of faith that Stones appreciated.

‎”I love England so much and I love playing for England. Some of the best moments in my career have been playing for England at tournaments,” he said.

‎”And when he said to me, would I come out and be with the guys and continue my training, it was a no-brainer. It was a special moment.”