Manchester City and England defender John Stones has admitted he considered retirement last season following a series of injuries that limited him to just 11 Premier League appearances.
The 31-year-old battled recurring foot and hamstring problems, the latter sidelining him from February. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Stones said the constant setbacks left him mentally drained.
“Last season was tough to the point where I thought about stopping,” he said. “I had done everything right, yet I kept breaking down. It was a difficult place to be.”
Stones, who hasn’t featured for England since October 2024, has been recalled by new manager Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming friendly against Wales and the World Cup qualifier against Latvia on October 14. A win in Riga would seal England’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Despite a difficult spell, Stones says he never truly lost his fighting spirit. “I said years ago I’d fight, and that’s what I’ll keep doing. That winning mentality won’t stop.”
