Man City Defender John Stones Opens Up on 'Difficult' Period That Nearly Ended Football Career

Following a season plagued by injury, England defender John Stones opens up about a profound, career-defining personal struggle.

England and Manchester City defender John Stones has made a shocking revelation on his struggle with injuries last season, admitting he considered retiring from the sport entirely. 

The centre-back endured a difficult campaign, with recurring foot and hamstring problems limiting him to a mere 11 Premier League appearances. The latter issue brought his season to a premature end in February.

The 31-year-old, a veteran of five major tournaments for his country, has found himself on the outside looking in for the national team, having not featured for the Three Lions since October 2024. 

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Stones has been named in the squad for the upcoming friendly against Wales at Wembley on Thursday and the crucial World Cup qualifier against Latvia in Riga on Tuesday, 14 October. A victory in that match will officially punch England’s ticket to next summer's World Cup finals, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

"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."

Injuries have been a persistent theme throughout Stones’ career at City, whom he joined from Everton in 2016, preventing him from ever making more than 27 appearances in a single league season.

 "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."

A Renewed Fight and England Devotion

Despite those dark thoughts, Stones insists his fighting spirit ultimately won out. 

"My emotions were high. I wasn't thinking straight. I don't think deep down I would have ever done it [retired]," 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?"

His value to the England squad, even when not fully fit, was highlighted by manager Thomas Tuchel. 

In a significant gesture, the injured Stones was invited to join the squad for a warm-weather training camp in Spain in June.

 "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.

"When he [Tuchel] said, 'will I come out and be with the guys and continue my training', it was a no-brainer."

Stones added, "I wanted to be there, be around the guys... 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."

Gordon Looking to Kick On

Another player looking to make his mark is Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon. While he has impressed under Tuchel, Gordon feels his international performances have not yet reached their potential. 

"I think I have probably been at 50% in an England shirt," he said. 

"I am nowhere near where I can get to. But I am feeling more comfortable every time I play."

Gordon is part of a squad identical to the one selected for the September camp, a decision he praised due to the positive atmosphere.

He described it as "the best I have been a part of in terms of the vibe of the camp" because "everything clicked on and off the pitch".