The 2024/25 campaign was a difficult one for John Stones at Manchester City.

The England international only managed to make 11 Premier League appearances last season as injuries regularly occurred, even considering retirement as the niggling fitness issues took their toll both mentally and physically.

Recently, the Manchester City No.5 told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Last season was very tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping.”

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These comments from John Stones ended up being discussed on The Wayne Rooney Show – where the Manchester United legend admitted his surprise at the revelation.

Wayne Rooney expresses sympathy for John Stones

The 39-year-old said: “That’s a surprise to hear him say that, but that’s what it can do to you when you keep getting injured. It’s hard because you want to play and you’re seeing your teammates going out and training every day and playing in big games. It can have an effect on you and you do start thinking of different things.

“I was fortunate and I never really had big injuries. But I’ve seen players who have injuries and it’s hard – you’re going in...