The City defender started for England in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy on 17 October, but his starting role in the 2-1 victory was the first since the Community Shield clash with Arsenal on 6 August.
Stones had been sidelined through injury but enjoyed being back in the team for the 2-1 victory over Brighton.
“I tried my best,” he said. “I really enjoyed it and I’m really happy to be back.
“It’s been a difficult time for me - being injured and a few different problems. It takes its toll.
“I stuck with it, came back and I feel great and strong. I’m really happy to be back.”
Importantly, it was a winning return as first half goals from Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland secured a 2-1 victory over the Seagulls to send us back to the top of the Premier League.
And Stones was happy with the performance after collecting three points from a dangerous opponent after back-to-back defeats.
“I thought we played incredibly well - especially in the first half,” he added. “We know in the second they were going to come out, fight and show their quality.
“I’m really pleased how we stuck in with the game - we were resilient and fought for the three points.
“It’s been difficult - we didn’t want to come back home and lose after losing three of the last four.
“We knew what was expected of us and we came off the pitch with a win which is vitally important.”
Brighton pulled a goal back in the second half before Manuel Akanji was sent off as the visitors tried to rescue a point.
But we saw out the victory and Stones wasn’t surprised that Roberto Zerbi’s side kept pushing after the break.
“Both sides figure out weaknesses or patterns of play that the other team try to exploit,” he said.
“It’s very tactical between both managers - we believe in our style of play, what we worked on all week, what the manager told us and what was to be expected of Brighton.
“We know their qualities from previous games as well and what they bring to each game.
“The way we worked, the aggressiveness of everyone up front and how they set the tone with our pressing was key for us.
“It’s always going to be a difficult second half when both teams find little things where they can improve or find little weaknesses to exploit - I’m glad in the end that we stuck together as a team and got the three points.”
