ENGLAND defender John Stones has admitted he considered quitting football last season after being pushed to the limit by constant injury setbacks.
The Manchester City star, 31, endured a nightmare 2024-25 campaign and was restricted to just 11 Premier League appearances.
Foot and hamstring injuries plagued his season, with his final game coming as early as February.
Stones has since opened up about the physical and emotional toll of his time on the sidelines, calling the past two years “dark days”.
Speaking to the BBC, the centre-back revealed: “Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping.
“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. Hopefully I don’t go back to that place.”
Stones has struggled with recurring injuries in recent years, missing ten or more games in each of the last three seasons.
Despite that, he remains a key part of Pep Guardiola’s squad at City, where he has made 283 appearances and won six Premier League titles.
The experienced defender has also clocked up 83 caps for England and is one of the most senior players in the national team setup.
He missed the September internationals due to a minor muscle problem but has now been recalled by Thomas Tuchel for this month’s fixtures.
England face Wales in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday as part of their preparation for next summer’s World Cup.
Tuchel’s side then head to Riga for a qualifier against Latvia next Tuesday as they look to maintain their 100 per cent record in Group K.
England currently sit top of the group after five wins from five and are strong favourites to secure early qualification.
Stones will be hoping to stay fit and play a key role in both matches as he looks to put his injury troubles firmly behind him.
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