'I'd had enough' - John Stones considered RETIRING last season amid Man City injury hell as England defender reveals frustration at 'breaking down'

Last season proved to be a nightmare for Stones, who is now back to fitness and ready to make an impact for club and country. However, he's admitted injury problems led him to some dark places mentally.

Speaking to the BBC, Stones said: "Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping. 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.

"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.

"My emotions were high. I wasn't thinking straight. I don't think deep down I would have ever done it [retired].

"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."

The Daily Mirror reported last month that City want to keep Stones at the club and are ready to open talks over a new contract. The England star's current deal expires at the end of the season but he remains a key member of Guardiola's squad, and he is now minded to remain at the Etihad.

Stones was forced to pull out of the England squad in September after suffering a minor muscle injury, but he is now up and running and has earned a Three Lions call-up for the October international games. Thomas Tuchel's side face Wales in a friendly on Thursday, before travelling to Riga to face Latvia in a World Cup qualifier five days later.