Manchester City defender John Stones has revealed that he came close to quitting football last season after enduring one of the toughest spells of his career.
The England international featured in only 11 Premier League matches during the 2024–25 campaign, with persistent foot and hamstring injuries sidelining him for months. His final appearance came in February — long before City’s season concluded.
Now back to full fitness, Stones is eager to make his mark again for both club and country. But looking back, the 30-year-old admits the mental toll of repeated injuries nearly broke him.
John Stones opens up about quitting football
Speaking candidly to the BBC Sport, Stones shared how the constant setbacks tested his resolve.
“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.”
The centre-back explained that the frustration stemmed from doing everything by the book yet still suffering injuries.
“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.”
Despite the dark thoughts, Stones says he ultimately knew deep down he could not walk away from the game he loves.
“My emotions were high. I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t think deep down I would have ever done it [retired].”
The England defender recalled the fighting spirit that has defined his journey since childhood — a trait that helped him regain perspective.
“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.”
What does the future hold for John Stones?
According to a Daily Mirror report, Manchester City are keen to extend Stones’ stay at the Etihad Stadium. His current contract runs until the end of the season, but the club sees him as an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s setup and plans to open talks over a new deal soon.
After weathering a storm of injuries and self-doubt, Stones’ return symbolizes resilience — a reminder that even in football’s highest ranks, the greatest battles are often fought within.