Manchester City and England defender John Stones admitted he thought of retiring last season amid injury woes. The 31-year-old faced issues with his hamstring and foot in the last season, which kept him out of action for more than 30 games across all competitions.

Stones is yet to get a game under the new head coach, Thomas Tuchel, after the German manager took over the reins in January. However, the defender can get a game in England jersey after a long time against either Wales or Latvia this month.

“Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping,” Stones told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I didn’t want to do it. 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: “There comes a point where you don’t know why it happens and it is even harder when you put in so much effort, or you are ultra professional, to be able to play and be available.

“When that time comes and something happens, it would be easier to say ‘well I didn’t do X, Y and Z that’s why’ — but when you do it, it’s then mentally challenging. Hopefully I don’t go back to that place.”

Stones played only 11 matches in the Premier League in the previous season. However, he has returned to full fitness in the ongoing term for Pep Guardiola’s team.

“My emotions were high. I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t think deep down I would have ever done it [retired],” Stones continued.

“I said years ago when City wanted me to have a new challenge, I said ‘I am going to fight’. That’s all I have known since I was a kid — why should I stop that now?

“So yes, there is that fight in me and that winning mentality that doesn’t want to stop.”