John Stones had a frustrating season at Manchester City and even considered ending his career. Thomas Tuchel provided some unexpected encouragement.
The current season is still young, but John Stones is only seven Premier League appearances away from reaching his total from last season. After a foot injury slowed him down in November, thigh problems ended his season in February. Stones was so frustrated that he considered ending his career, the Manchester City defender revealed to the BBC.
“I didn’t want that,” but “I was tired of being so professional and trying to do everything in my power, only to break down again and again and have no answers. It was a very difficult situation,” the now 31-year-old revealed. “There comes a point where you don’t know why it’s happening, and it’s even harder when you’re trying so hard or being extremely professional to be able to play.”
Since moving from Everton to ManCity in 2016, Stones has never played more than 27 league games in a season, which in England actually consists of 38 match days. He has only exceeded the 20-game mark in four of nine seasons, most recently in 2022/23 with 23. And a few months ago, Stones apparently had enough. “I thought about quitting. My emotions were running high. I couldn’t think clearly. I don’t think I ever would have done it deep down inside.”
This season, he has already started in five competitive games, mostly as a center back, after Pep Guardiola repeatedly used him in defensive midfield in recent years – as in the 2023 Champions League final, which saw ManCity complete the treble. Stones is also back in the England squad for the first time in a year.
In June, Tuchel invited Stones to join the national team – despite his injury
Strictly speaking, that’s not entirely true. Thomas Tuchel, who nominated him for the friendly against Wales (Thursday) and the World Cup qualifier in Latvia (Tuesday), had already brought him back in June – despite his injury. Stones was to continue his individual training with the Three Lions. “When he said, ‘Do you want to come along?’, it was a no-brainer for me,” Stones recalls. “He looked at it from many angles. He knew I was lonely and in a difficult situation.” At the same time, Stones was able to serve as a role model and contact person for the younger players. “Knowing that someone is willing to come shows the new guys very clearly what England has built up over the years.” Stones is already approaching his 84th international cap.
