John Stones has revealed that Pep Guardiola transformed his understanding of football during their time together at Manchester City. The defender will make his farewell appearance for the club on Sunday, with strong reports suggesting Guardiola may also step down after a decade at the Etihad Stadium.
End of an Era
Sunday's final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa marks the end of an era at City. Defender Stones and captain Bernardo Silva are set to make their farewell appearances, while Guardiola's departure would bring one of the most successful managerial reigns in English football history to a close.
Stones and Guardiola both arrived at City in the summer of 2016. The centre-back, who has played 294 times for the club, thrived under Guardiola's possession-based philosophy. Speaking to the club's media channels, the 31-year-old reflected on his journey.
"I think when I look back at when I first came, I wasn't a player that was a typical kind of centre-half," Stones said. "I was maybe built for how football is now, but 10 years ago Pep saw that and everyone kind of got behind me, and I felt it was the right way to play football."
Guardiola's Genius
Stones praised Guardiola's unique vision of the game. "I think the word genius comes about, but how he sees the game is totally different. That was one of the things when I came. I thought I knew football but I realised quickly I didn't."
Under Guardiola, City have won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. These achievements will be celebrated as the campaign ends with a visit from Aston Villa.
Treble Triumph
One of the highlights of Stones' time at City was the treble-winning campaign of 2022-23, completed with victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Istanbul. Stones excelled in a defensive midfield role, and the freedom Guardiola gave him made it one of the most enjoyable periods of his career.
"I was just loving it," Stones said. "I love that role, I wish I could play it every week, a new role that was almost created and the freedom that I had, the space to go and express myself in a different way, the different outlook it brought on our team, the different ways to beat teams. I honestly loved it."
He added: "To have the impact that I did, especially in the final, was something that I'm so proud of and I'd love to relive it."
Career Journey
Stones began his career at Barnsley before moving to Everton and then joining City in a £47.5 million deal. His future remains unclear, but City will always hold a special place in his heart.
"I don't know how to put it into words but just the love that I have for the place and everyone, how happy I am here," he said. "I've said it before but it's my home and home's always the best place, isn't it?"
