John Stones admits he considered retirement amid injury turmoil | OneFootball

Manchester City defender John Stones (31) has revealed that a series of injuries last season left him contemplating retirement, in what he described as one of the most mentally taxing periods of his career, according to Sky Sports.

The 31-year-old, who endured recurring foot and hamstring problems throughout the 2024/25 campaign, made just 24 appearances for club and country, his last coming in February. Now fully fit, Stones is expected to feature for England manager Thomas Tuchel in the upcoming fixtures against Wales and Latvia.

Stones reflected on the psychological strain of repeated setbacks. “Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping,” he said. “I had had enough of being so professional and doing everything right, only to keep breaking down. It was a very difficult place to be in.”

Despite his doubts, the Manchester City centre-back insists his competitive drive ultimately prevailed. “I said years ago when City wanted me to have a new challenge, I said, ‘I’m going to fight.’ That’s all I’ve known since I was a kid. Why should I stop that now?”

GFN | Finn Entwistle