John Stones has described his recovery from a series of injury setbacks as one of his most significant accomplishments. The England defender, aged 32, revealed that during a particularly challenging period last year, he had contemplated ending his professional football career.

Stones’ struggle with fitness issues limited him to just 18 appearances for Manchester City in the previous season. Despite these challenges, he is expected to start for the England national team in their World Cup opener against Croatia in Dallas. If selected, the match would mark his 90th international cap and his participation in a sixth major tournament.

Reflecting on his difficulties, Stones acknowledged the mental toll the injuries took. Speaking to the BBC, he said that his October reflections were made during a tough time and expressed hope that he would not face similar experiences in the future. He noted the temptation to compare himself unfavorably to other players and eras but emphasized the importance of resilience and determination in his journey back to top form.

“I feel like one of my greatest achievements is to keep coming back from those setbacks, no matter how big they are,” Stones said. He described his ability to overcome adversity and return to high-level competition as a source of pride.

At the club level, Stones highlighted his performance in the 2023 Champions League final, where he played a pivotal role in securing Manchester City’s historic Treble—winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season. However, ongoing injury problems have since affected his playing time.

This summer, Stones is set to depart Manchester City after ten successful seasons with the club, during which he won six Premier League titles. His next career move remains under consideration as he prepares to continue representing England on the international stage.