One of Manchester City's current players has revealed the shocking call he considered making recently.
Defender John Stones was close to calling it quits as a professional footballer last season due to injury-related issues.
The six-time Premier League winner has suffered with injuries throughout his City tenure and last season proved to be no different for the centre-back.
He featured in just 11 league games for Pep Guardiola's side as foot and hamstring problems prevented him from obtaining regular minutes on the pitch.
His 2024/25 campaign ended in February, which left City supporters wondering whether they would ever see the Englishman remain fit for a sustained period in a sky blue shirt.
Since making the switch to the Etihad Stadium from Everton in 2016, Stones has failed to feature in more than 30 league games in a season.
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The 31-year-old has now worked his way back to full fitness, with six appearances to his name for City this season.
Stones on past retirement thoughts
While on international duty with England, Stones mentioned exactly what went through his mind in recent times regarding his injury struggles.
"Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping. I didn't want to do it," the City star told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"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," he added.
However, Stones has reassured City and England fans that while his injury troubles were difficult to stomach, he does not believe retirement was ever truly on the cards for him.
"My emotions were high. I wasn't thinking straight. I don't think deep down I would have ever done it (retired)," the England international explained.
"There is that fight in me and that winning mentality that doesn't want to stop."
Stones will be sure to feature for England in the October international break and add to his 83 caps for his country.
Thomas Tuchel's side will host Wales in a friendly on Thursday (October 9), before travelling to face Latvia in a World Cup qualifier next Tuesday (October 14).
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