URTV24 SPORT- John Stones, the experienced Manchester City and England defender, has revealed he contemplated retirement following a challenging 2024-25 season plagued by persistent injuries. The 31-year-old has battled numerous fitness setbacks throughout his career, struggling to maintain consistent appearances in Manchester City’s Premier League lineup since his debut season in 2016-17.
Last season proved particularly frustrating for Stones, as he only managed six Premier League starts and was sidelined for over 30 games across all competitions due to recurring foot and hamstring issues, with the latter prematurely ending his campaign in February.
Despite representing England in five major tournaments and earning 83 caps, Stones has not featured for the Three Lions since October 2024. He is also yet to play under the national team’s new head coach, Thomas Tuchel, who took over in January.
However, Stones has received a call-up to Tuchel’s latest England squad for the upcoming friendly against Wales at Wembley and a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Latvia next Tuesday, signaling a potential return to the international stage.
Stones Opens Up About Difficult Season
In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Stones candidly discussed the mental toll of his injury struggles. "Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping," he admitted. "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."
Stones elaborated on the frustration of repeated injuries despite his dedication to maintaining peak physical condition. "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," he explained. "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."
The Fight Continues: Stones Determined to Prove Himself
Despite the setbacks, Stones remains resolute in his determination to fight for his place in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad. He acknowledged that the club had previously considered parting ways, but he is committed to proving his worth.
"My emotions were high. I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t think deep down I would have ever done it [retired]," Stones confessed. "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."
Tuchel’s Faith: A Boost for Stones
Tuchel’s decision to include Stones in the England squad, even while recovering from injury, has been a significant boost for the defender. The England boss had previously emphasized that no player is guaranteed a spot in the squad, demonstrated by the exclusion of prominent players like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish for this international break.
Stones expressed his gratitude for Tuchel’s support, highlighting the importance of representing his country. "My love for England, I think it’s difficult to put into words. I love England so much – I love playing for England," he said. "I have had some of the best moments in my career playing for England [and at] tournaments. When [Tuchel] said, ‘will I come out and be with the guys and continue my training’, it was a no-brainer."
Stones is eager to contribute to the team, both on and off the field. "I wanted to be there, be around the guys. He saw it from so many points of view. I hadn’t been around the team [and] he knew that I was lonely training by myself, being in a difficult spot," he explained. "[But also] 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."
Stones is in contention to feature in England’s upcoming matches against Wales and Latvia. A victory against Latvia in Riga would secure the Three Lions’ place at next summer’s World Cup, a goal Stones is determined to help achieve.
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