England defender John Stones has revealed that he considered retiring from football last season because of injury.
The Manchester City centre-back was sidelined for much of the campaign with foot and hamstring issues, limiting him to just 11 Premier League appearances before his season was ended in February.
Stones has been fit so far this term, making five starts in all competitions and earned himself a recall to the England squad for this month’s matches against Wales and Latvia. He last played for the national team in October 2024.
England star John Stones considered retiring due to injury
“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.
“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.
“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 continued: “My emotions were high. I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t think deep down I would have ever done it [retired].
“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.”
