John Stones insists football can only return when it is safe for “everyone.”
Premier League clubs are working on plans to resume the season in June - but games will have to be played behind closed doors to avoid the risk of spreading coronavirus.
Some high-profile players have revealed fears for their health if lockdown measures in the UK are eased and they are allowed to get back on the pitch.
Sergio Aguero voiced concerns last week, and Stones insists it’s a decision the authorities have to get right.
The Manchester City defender said: “I think we all want football back. Me more than anyone.
"But I want it to be at the right time and I want it to be safe for everyone.
“For me as a player you want to be playing in stadiums full of fans and the fans want to come to the games.
“For us as players, we want to be back out there fighting for titles and winning trophies for everyone to try to watch and be there at the game. As soon as that is safe to happen, in my opinion, we need to be ready.”
Stones added: “Us, as players, we are trying to do everything we can to get football back on the pitch and we will be here to come back and fight again in every game, like we do. I am excited to see everyone at our games as soon as possible but please make sure everyone is safe.”
Stones says he’s used his time in lockdown to clear up issues in his game.
“I have been training every day, trying to improve on little things that have been bothering me throughout the season and I think I have rectified those things so it has been a great time for me,” he said.
“When you are playing you have got a game every three days, you have got to analyse things quick and move on quick to the next game.
"This time is good because you have been able to watch all of your clips from your games without the pressure of moving onto another game and focusing and preparing for that.
“You have had the time to really go down to fine details.”
