Although it is still not ready for a starting berth, John Stones feels reborn, just a few months after he had considered whether this was worth it in the midst of injury mysteries, which made the best specialists in the country stupidly struck.
Stones missed no fewer than 33 games for Manchester City last season with four separate injuries – including in his foot and thigh – and cannot be seen since February.
The central defender has only started 18 Premier League in two campaigns, but is determined to make up for lost time during the last year of his contract.
In-depth discussions with the medical and sports science departments in recent weeks have led the 31-year-old to change his habits, away from competitions to extend his career.
“I've had some very low points,” said Stones. 'You can't really see the end of the tunnel if they keep happening. We all have self -doubt. Sometimes I think, “Why did it happen to me?”
'There have been points where you think you have made all this effort, you devote your entire life to be here and those are the dark days. We all have challenges and what have you done in those situations, fighting or admitting?
“I wish I had the answer. It is frustrating for me, I explained a lot of pressure on myself. I find it very challenging mentally. But I feel great now, looking to go. '
Unbelievable, Stones admitted that the smartest spirits in the company could not find out why injuries continued to accumulate.
His struggles have hit other squadron members, who had to put their bodies on the line more often to cover the gap. He wants playing time at the club World Cup to perform as a springboard for the new season.
“I don't know what the reason is, and we have been with medical staff, sports science, to try to find out why,” he added. “Some things cannot be explained. That is even more mentally testing if there is not really an answer.
'It is frustrating for everyone that you are not available to help them, and you have to find another way to be near the team.
'I had bad luck with a few injuries I had, they were very rare last season, after they had spoken with specialists.
“I think I should look more detailed in training this season, things I can do without the field that I can keep playing many more games.”
Printed on what the extra detail looks like, Stones replied: 'In training, many training taxes, so what you do all week in training, sensible, status -rating, from that kind of aspect.
'We have kept a close eye on this with this process that returns. I am now a few weeks ago in the training, and that is great, try to do extra if I have to, if I have to try to increase those levels.
'Only those small details have made such a big difference. I am super enthusiastic and hopefully I can implement these small things that we have adapted that improve me for the future. '
Stones was a crucial edge in the run from the city to the Treble in 2023 and his performance in the Champions League -final, dancing in midfield, one of his best will fall for a decade in the club. Pep Guardiola's playing style has familiarized with the former graduate Barnsley Academy.
“There is no player who wants it more,” said Guardiola. 'Not selfish for the fact how much he can help us, but for the fact that it makes him happy, he is part of his life.
“He is a sensitive person. He is an incredible person. Incredible. I see him suffering because he cannot work for centuries and ages and ages. We want to involve him. '
Guardiola has opened the door for various stars in the first team that are being sold this summer, given their team in the United States has hit 27, but Stones himself wants to stay at the club. “I'm here, I want to stay here, I love it,” he said. “I am here to help the team, and I don't know if what has been said or speculated, but I hope this closes a kind.”