'It's a really bad time': John Stones admits he considered leaving Manchester City in candid interview
Manchester City star John Stones has admitted he contemplated leaving the Etihad in 2020 after falling out of favour.
The English international, who is now a regular starter in Pep Guardiolafaced an uncertain future heading into the 2020/21 campaign.
Due to an injury and subsequent loss of form, Stones was limited to just 16 Premier League appearances last season.
Instead, Aymeric Laporte and Nicolas Otamendi were preferred, while Spanish star Eric Garcia also got regular playing time.
And in the summer of 2020, City They further strengthened their defensive line with the addition of Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake.
Even Guardiola refused to rule out Stones' departure, but the centre-back eventually regained his place and has been a key player ever since.
In a candid interview with BBC SportsThe former Everton defender has spoken about the tough times he faced.
He said: “Maybe for a year I wasn't playing here, I wasn't playing for England.”
The Three Lions star, who has 81 caps, continued: “I was at a very low point and didn't know what to do at first.
“Obviously, it was hard for me not to play. I'm mentally strong and I start to doubt myself a lot.
“I thought, 'You know, I have two paths to take: accept it and move on or stay and fight.'”
Stones added: “I wanted to prove to myself that I was good enough and that I deserved to be here.
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“I really went back to the drawing board and worked harder.
“I analyzed every aspect of my life: my diet, my gym, my sleep.
“I tried to do everything I could to become a better player and a better version of myself. Fortunately, it worked out.”
Over the next four years, Stones has suffered numerous injuries, but has started whenever he has been fit to play.
With over 250 City appearances to his name, Stones is regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
And he knows he will have to be at his best to knock out title contenders Arsenal in Sunday's decisive clash at the Etihad Stadium.
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