Defender says he’s been through “dark days”; Stones using Club World Cup as preparation for new season
Manchester City defender John Stones has said he is finally back in good shape and ready to move forward, after a long spell battling injury setbacks.
The 31-year-old centre-back has endured a frustrating two years with recurring thigh problems. His most recent appearance came in February, when he was forced off after just eight minutes in City’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.
Speaking about his struggle with injury Stones said: “There’s been points where you think, you’ve been giving all this effort, you dedicate all your life, especially how I approach or go about my life, and football, I give everything, on and off the pitch to be here or be ready to play games and [there] are the dark days.
“Everyone’s been through them and think: ‘Why is this happening?’ You wish it would have gone a different path.”
The defender was included in Pep Guardiola’s 27-man squad for the Club World Cup in the United States and he is feeling optimistic about his fitness again.
“It’s difficult when you’re injured,” said Stones. “You almost work longer and more, so from that aspect I know the guys mentally and physically have had such a long season. I suppose mentally for me it’s been difficult dealing with the injuries and the process.
“But now I’ve put that behind me. I’ve used this [Club World Cup] as a mini introduction back before the new season and another trophy for us to hopefully win and get some game time.”
The England international says he has been back in training for a few weeks and is easing back into full fitness with extra sessions aimed at improving his condition.
“That’s been going great,” said Stones. “Trying to do extra running if I need to, if I need to try and get those levels up. Just those little, really small details have made such a big difference.”
“I’m super excited and hopefully can implement these little things that we’ve made and tweaked, which are going to better me for the future.”