John Stones Admits He Feared His Career Could Be Over Amid Injury Setbacks

John Stones has revealed the deep personal struggles he faced during two years of constant injuries that threatened his career. The Manchester City defender made only six Premier League starts during the 2024-25 season due to ongoing thigh, foot, and other undisclosed problems.

His troubles date back to the previous campaign when a hip injury sidelined him for two months, preventing him from building on his outstanding form during City’s 2022-23 treble-winning season, where he excelled in a unique hybrid role between defence and midfield.

Stones admitted experiencing moments of serious doubt about whether he would ever return to full fitness and play again. “You dedicate your life to the game, give everything on and off the pitch, and when injuries keep happening, you start to question everything,” he confessed. “There were dark days when I wondered: ‘Why is this happening?’”

The 31-year-old highlighted the intense mental challenges he faced, placing immense pressure on himself to recover and return. “It’s very frustrating. I’ve had some very low points this past season. At times you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel when setbacks keep piling up.”

Despite these struggles, Stones remains determined, drawing strength from his fighting spirit developed from a young age. “In life, we all face different challenges. The question is: do we give up or fight? I’ve always been a fighter. In difficult times, you have to reflect on your values, stay strong, and keep pushing to make everything worthwhile.”

Stones’ honesty sheds light on the emotional toll professional athletes endure during prolonged injury battles, while also highlighting his resilience as he aims to return stronger for City and England.