Manchester City centre-back John Stones has revealed that he seriously contemplated walking away from professional football during what he describes as his most trying season to date.
The defender, 31, opened up in an interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, disclosing that the recurrent injuries of the 2024-25 campaign took such a toll, both physically and mentally, that retirement briefly crossed his mind.
Stones’ season was marred by persistent hamstring and foot problems that kept him off the pitch for large stretches. In all competitions, he missed more than 30 matches, and in the Premier League, only managed 11 appearances. His season, as he revealed, finally ended in February due to a hamstring injury.
“Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping,” he said. “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 described the period of injury as one filled with frustration, not only because of the physical limitations but also because of the mental strain that came with doing everything by the book—training, recovery, medical care—yet not being able to stay fit.
“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 said. “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.”
Despite his struggles he emphasised that, deep down, the idea of quitting never fully formed into action. “My emotions were high. I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t think deep down I would have ever done it,” 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? So yes, there is that fight in me and that winning mentality that doesn’t want to stop.”
Fully fit again, Stones has started several matches this season under Pep Guardiola and has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for upcoming matches against Wales and Latvia.
Injuries are part of professional sport, but when they become recurring and without clear causes, they tend to exact a psychological toll as much as a physical one. Stones spoke of “dark days,” of uncertainty over what exactly was going wrong, and of feeling isolated in his struggle.
“It is frustrating for me,” he said. “I put a lot of pressure on myself. I find it very challenging mentally. I have had some very low points in the past season and I just have to come back and once you come over those things, you can’t really see the end of the tunnel when they keep happening.”
For Stones himself, the inward reflection seems to have given way to renewed purpose. He has reiterated his commitment to fight through adversity. “Why should I stop now?” he asked. His source of strength, he indicated, lies in the winning mentality he has carried since childhood. As he regenerates his form, Stones will hope to reclaim his place as a pillar of defence for both his club and his country.