""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.""
""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.""
John Stones considered retiring after a difficult 2024-25 season that left him limited to 20 appearances due to ankle and hamstring injuries, with a hamstring problem ending his season in February. The 31-year-old has returned this campaign, making six appearances for Manchester City, five starts, and earning a place in England's squad. England face Wales and Latvia, with a win against Latvia sealing World Cup qualification. Stones described feeling mentally drained after repeatedly breaking down despite being ultra-professional and hopes not to return to that place. He has 83 caps and five major tournaments' experience, providing veteran presence.
Read at Soccer News
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