John Stones has made a startling admission about his recent battles with injury, confessing he seriously considered retirement this summer. The Manchester City and England defender, now 31, told the BBC he had reached “the point where I wanted to stop playing” after repeated setbacks left him drained physically and mentally.
Last season proved particularly gruelling for Stones. He managed only eleven Premier League appearances, missing long stretches with a muscle problem, then a foot injury, before a hamstring issue in February ended his campaign entirely. By the end of the season, frustration and exhaustion had taken such a toll that he contemplated walking away from the game altogether.
Now back fit, Stones has already featured in four league matches this season. Yet he admitted it was almost a very different story, describing the past two years as some of the “darkest days” of his career.
Stones opens up on mental struggle
The 83-cap England international was candid about how hard it had become to keep going through cycles of recovery and relapse.
“Last season was incredibly tough for me, I even got to the point where I wanted to stop. I just didn’t want to do it anymore. I was tired of always behaving professionally, doing everything to come back, only to break down again. I had no answers.” — John Stones
He added that he hoped never to revisit that period again:
“I put myself in such a difficult place. I hope I never go back there.” — John Stones
From dark days to career highs
While injuries have threatened his career, Stones has also enjoyed remarkable success at Manchester City. Since arriving from Everton in 2016, he has won six Premier League titles and, most memorably, lifted the Champions League in 2022/23.
That European triumph saw Stones reinvent himself as a hybrid defender-midfielder, playing a pivotal role in Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup during their historic treble-winning campaign.
Analyst verdict: a reminder of the human cost
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Stones’ admission is a stark reminder of the mental strain injuries can place on elite players:
“Fans often see the medals and trophies but not the pain behind the scenes. Stones has been central to City’s success, yet the constant stop-start of injuries almost broke him. His openness will resonate with many professionals who face similar struggles in silence.”
Key insights
- John Stones considered retiring this summer after repeated injuries.
- He played just 11 league games last season due to muscle, foot and hamstring problems.
- Stones described the past two years as “dark days.”
- Now 31, he has already returned with four league appearances this season.
- His Manchester City career includes six league titles and the 2023 Champions League.
What’s next for Stones and City?
Stones’ return is a timely boost for Manchester City as they look to challenge again for the Premier League and in Europe. Guardiola will hope the defender can finally enjoy a sustained run of fitness and provide the composure and tactical flexibility that have made him such a valuable figure.
For Stones himself, survival through the darkest period of his career may prove transformative. With his place in England’s Euro 2026 plans also at stake, he has every motivation to keep going — and to prove he still has more chapters to write.
👉 Do you think John Stones can put his injury struggles behind him and re-establish himself as a key player for Manchester City and England?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 7 Oct 2025 13:14
Wow, still 31! But has been injured a lot of times so somewhere I do understand him. Football is not only passion but is also the fun about the game, the fun and passion to compete and wanting to be the best. Struggles with injuries could force you to think this way.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *