The English and Manchester City defender John Stones admitted that he was planning to retire last season due to an injury.
Stones was limited to only 11 Premier League appearances last season, his campaign ended in February due to foot and hamstrings.
The 31 -year -old has completed five tenure for City so far this season, but has not played for England – which he represented in five major tournaments – since October 2024, before Thomas Tuchel took up his coach.
And the former Everton and Barnsley player revealed that he had sometimes thought of packing everything last season.
“Last season was difficult for me, to the point that I thought of stopping,” Stones told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I didn’t want to do it. I was enough to be so professional and try to do everything in my power, and then continue to collapse and not have any answers. It was a very difficult place to live.
“There is a time when you don’t know why it happens and it’s even harder when you make so much effort, or you are ultra professional, to be able to play and be available.
“When this moment happens and something happens, it would be easier to say ‘well, I did not do X, Y and Z, that’s why’ – but when you do it, it is a mental challenge. I hope I will not return to this place.”
However, Stones added that he did not think that he would really hang up his boots, citing an inner “fight” and a “winning mentality” as a reason to remain motivated.
“My emotions were lively,” added Stones. “I didn’t have clear ideas. I don’t think basically, I would never have done it. [retired].
“I said years ago, when City wanted me to take up a new challenge, I said ‘I am going to fight’. That’s all I know since I was a child-why should I stop this now?
“So yes, there is this fight in me and this winner’s mentality who does not want to stop.”
Stones is part of the three -Lions team for Thursday’s friendly match against Wales in Wembley and the World Cup qualification match against Latvia the following Tuesday, which could see the Tuchel team practically reserve their place for the final next summer with a victory.
And despite his injuries, the defender insisted that his love for his country has never decreased.
“My love for England, I think it’s difficult to express. I love England so much – I like to play for England,” said Stones.
“I lived some of the best moments in my career by playing for England. [and at] Tournaments.
