John Stones Opens Up About Retirement Thoughts Amid Injury Struggles

John Stones set to feature in England's upcoming matches

England defender John Stones reveals he considered retiring due to injury struggles, but is back in the squad for upcoming matches against Wales and Latvia.

 “I said years ago when City wanted me to have a new challenge, I said, 'I am going to fight'...”

Manchester City defender John Stones reveals he considered hanging up his boots last season due to persistent injury woes. The centre-back's 2024-25 campaign was cut short in February due to a hamstring issue, limiting him to just 24 appearances for both club and country.

Stones admitted feeling frustrated and demotivated by his injury problems, which made him question his future in football. However, a gesture of faith from England boss Thomas Tuchel, who invited him to join the national team despite being injured, helped change his perspective.

The 31-year-old has rediscovered his fighting spirit, stating, “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?” Stones is set to feature in England's upcoming fixtures against Wales and Latvia.

England defender John Stones recently spoke about his struggles last season, revealing that it was tough to the point where he considered retiring from football. Stones, who is now fit again after a premature end to his season in February, is set to make his return under new England coach Thomas Tuchel. He could feature in the upcoming friendly match against Wales or the World Cup qualifier in Latvia.

“Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping,” Stones confessed on BBC Radio 5 Live, highlighting the mental and physical challenges he faced during that period.

With his experience playing for Manchester City, Stones is expected to bring valuable depth to England's squad. His return is timely, given the upcoming matches, and fans are likely eager to see him back on the pitch.

“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.

“There comes a point where you don't know why it happens and it's 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.”

John Stones' career with Manchester City has been a tale of triumph and adversity. Since joining the club from Everton in 2016, Stones has achieved incredible success, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two League Cups, and the Champions League. However, his time at the Etihad Stadium has been marred by recurring injuries, limiting him to no more than 27 league appearances in a single season.

“I thought about stopping.” 🛑

John Stones opens up on the injury struggles that nearly ended his career last season.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/RG3M8GIFni

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) October 7, 2025

Stones' injuries have taken a toll on his mental health, and he revealed that last season was so tough he considered retiring from football. The centre-back struggled with persistent foot and hamstring issues, which restricted him to just 11 Premier League appearances during the 2024/25 campaign.

Despite the setbacks, Stones' love for the sport and his determination to keep playing have driven him to overcome his challenges. Stones has started five matches for Manchester City this season and is set to feature in England's upcoming fixtures against Wales and Latvia.

As a key player for England, Stones has been part of five major tournaments and has earned 83 caps. He expressed his gratitude for being included in the England squad despite being injured, saying it was a “no-brainer” to join the team and continue training. Stones' experience and commitment will be invaluable for the team as they aim to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup.

“My emotions were high. I wasn't thinking straight. I don't think deep down I would have ever done it,” he said.

“So yes, there is that fight in me and that winning mentality that doesn't want to stop.”

England boss Thomas Tuchel's gesture of including John Stones in the squad for the games against Andorra and Senegal as a non-playing member was a significant morale boost for the defender. Despite being injured at the time, Stones appreciated the opportunity to be part of the team and continue training. This gesture helped him regain his confidence and motivation.

Stones described the experience as a “no-brainer,” stating that he was grateful for the opportunity to be part of the squad and train with the team. This gesture of faith from Tuchel played a crucial role in helping Stones overcome his doubts about continuing his career. With his renewed energy and focus, Stones is set to feature in England's upcoming fixtures against Wales and Latvia.

Stones, who is now fit again after a premature end to his season in February, is set to make his return under new England coach Thomas Tuchel. He could feature in the upcoming friendly match against Wales or the World Cup qualifier in Latvia.

“I love England so much and I love playing for England. Some of the best moments in my career have been playing for England at tournaments,” he said.

“And when he said to me, would I come out and be with the guys and continue my training, it was a no-brainer. It was a special moment.”