John Stones, a member of England's World Cup squad, has become a free agent after his contract with Manchester City expired during the tournament. The 32-year-old centre-back, who has earned 91 caps for the Three Lions, is now without a club as he prepares for England's round of 16 clash against Mexico.
Stones' Decade at Manchester City
Stones spent ten years at the Etihad Stadium following a high-profile transfer from Everton in the same summer Pep Guardiola took charge. During his time with City, he won 15 major honours, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. However, injuries limited his playing time last season, with Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov forming a dependable partnership, and Nathan Ake being preferred for the Carabao Cup final triumph.
Departure Confirmed
In April, Stones confirmed he would leave City at the end of the campaign. "They say all good things must come to an end... but this thing we have had has been the greatest and it will remain a part of me forever," he wrote on Instagram. Guardiola had earlier addressed Stones' fitness issues, stating, "I don't have doubts with John. When he reaches his level, he is a top central defender. Unfortunately, I only want him fit and unfortunately, like last season, a lot of the time it is not possible."
World Cup Involvement
Despite making only five league starts last season, including an emotional farewell on the final day, Stones earned a place in England's World Cup squad. Manager Thomas Tuchel selected the experienced defender ahead of City teammate Guehi for England's opening win against Croatia. Stones has since lost his starting spot but is pushing for a return against Mexico in the round of 16.
Free Agent Status
Stones left his club future unresolved before travelling to the World Cup and officially became a free agent on 1 July when his contract expired. BBC Sport reports that former club Everton and AC Milan are among the sides linked with his signature. Stones joins Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Manchester United's Casemiro, and Croatia's Luka Modric as World Cup stars currently without a club. Former City teammate Bernardo Silva recently joined Real Madrid as a free agent.
Stones made clear his determination to prove Guardiola wrong following his limited playing time. "I was fit enough 100 per cent, it comes down to various things, the manager (Guardiola) and that's something I can't control and I think it's always difficult to pick an XI and I say to this to him," Stones said last month. "He knows how much I wanted to play, how much I wanted to be there and you can look at it in so many ways. I think I feel as good as I've ever been before a tournament."
