Manchester City defender John Stones has revealed he had uncertainty over his playing career amid recurring injury concerns over the last two years.
The England international who was an integral member of the 2022-23 treble-winning squad, was limited to just six Premier League starts last season, while he missed 33 of the Cityzens game sidelined.
Stones missed the last three months of the season after picking up an injury in the 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the second leg of their UCL knockout tie in February.
“Yes, there have been points where you think: you’ve been giving all this effort, you dedicate all your life, especially how I approach or go about my life and football, I give everything on and off the pitch to be here or be ready to play games and… those are the dark days”, Stones revealed in an interview.
“I think everyone’s been through them and thinks: ‘Why is this happening?’ You wish it would go a different path. It’s self-doubt, a lot of things.”
The 31-year old moved to the Etihad from Everton in 2016, and was a trusted member of Pep Guardiola’s side before losing his spot on the team due to his recurrent injuries.
Man City endured an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign blighted by injuries to several of their key players, losing their league crown to rivals Liverpool who won a 20th top-flight title.
“It is frustrating for me. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I find it very challenging mentally”, the England star added.
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“I have had some very low points in the past season. I just have to [try to] come back but, once you come over those things, you can’t really see the end of the tunnel when they keep happening.
All of us have been through different upbringings and challenges through life and what did we do within those situations – was it fight or was it give up?
I was a fighter from a young age. In difficult moments, you have to look at the bigger picture and realise what your morals are, what you believe in, and fight to make it worthwhile”, he continued.
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