Manchester City and England defender John Stones has revealed he considered stepping away from the sport due to persistent injury struggles during the 2024/25 season. The 31-year-old center-back endured a frustrating campaign, making only six Premier League starts due to a series of setbacks, including thigh and foot issues. These complications followed a two-month absence at the beginning of the previous season due to a hip injury, hindering his ability to build on an outstanding 2022-23 season where he played a key role in City's treble-winning campaign.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live ahead of England's friendly against Wales on Wednesday, Stones explained that doubts over his Manchester City and England prospects have fueled him to keep fighting against injuries. "My emotions were high. I wasn't thinking straight. I don't think deep down I would have ever done it (retired)," Stones said.
Stones admitted that he experienced "dark days" during his injury woes, leading to moments of self-doubt. "Yes, there have been points where you think: you've been giving all this effort, you dedicate all your life, especially how I approach or go about my life and football, I give everything on and off the pitch to be here or be ready to play games and... those are the dark days," he reflected. He further added, "I think everyone's been through them and thinks, 'Why is this happening? ' You wish it would go a different path. It's self-doubt, a lot of things".
Despite the challenges, Stones asserted his determination to overcome the setbacks and continue his career. "All of us have been through different upbringings and challenges through life and what did we do within those situations – was it fight or was it give up?". He affirmed, "I was a fighter from a young age. In difficult moments, you have to look at the bigger picture and realise what your morals are, what you believe in, and fight to make it worthwhile".
Stones also addressed the possibility of leaving Manchester City in the past, revealing that club officials had suggested a "new challenge". However, he emphasized his commitment to fighting for his place at the Etihad Stadium. "I said years ago when (Manchester) 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 stated.
Manager Pep Guardiola has welcomed Stones' return to fitness and intends to carefully reintegrate him into the team. Guardiola acknowledged Stones' importance to the team, highlighting his exceptional qualities as a player and a person. "Him playing football, I want that. We have been together for almost one decade and he's an incredible human being," Guardiola said.
Stones is determined to prove his fitness and contribute to Manchester City's campaign to reclaim the Premier League title and compete for the UEFA Champions League.
