Casey Stoner officially retired at the end of 2012 because he couldn't stand the Grand Prix world anymore. Not only the pressure of the races, but also everything that revolved around it, the interviews, and the need to always be a super-champion in the limelight.

In fact, the Australian champion had suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome in previous years that forced him to abandon the races in mid-season in 2009, while he was in Ducati.

When he returned, the diagnosis was a lactose intolerance that, however, did not entirely convince them in Borgo Panigale nor his opponents.

Finally, after his retirement, he took on the role as test rider for Honda (2013-2015) and Ducati (2016-2018), with a last appearance in 2018, before dedicating himself to his two great passions: fishing and bow hunting.

Now, in one of his rare appearances, Stoner gave a revealing interview on Rusty's Garage podcast where he confessed that his physical condition had deteriorated greatly, even admitting that he would be bedridden even for an entire week.

"I haven't been going karting for more than a year, probably due to chronic fatigue. I don't have any more energy, " said Stoner, who added: "If I did, I would be out of it, on the couch for a week. I haven't done the things I like for a long time. It's been frustrating. I haven't been shooting with a bow for probably ten months."

Then he explained what happens to him.

"Basically, with chronic fatigue, I can't keep myself fit and healthy. I have a problem with my ribs, and I often suffer from back pain."

A problem he had even when he was racing.

"I have some discs that put pressure on my nerves and that cause spasms. I've improved by taking new medication, but I can't train or go out and do things. I often just lie on the couch for a week, which makes my wife's life difficult too. The first time I got back on my bike since January last year was for a test in the United States for my birthday for an Alpinestars event. We raced a bit, without pushing, but I got tired."

In the interview-confession, Stoner also shed light on his season in the V8 Supercars Championship in Australia.

"Believe it or not, I didn't want to race at all in 2013. I wanted to do nothing and have the whole year free for myself, just do the test program, drive some cars to get used to them, and then do the Development Series in 2014. Instead, I was forced to. I wasn't ready. I was exhausted, I was burned out. The championship was broadcast on TV because I was there and I couldn't back out."