Departing Manchester City defender John Stones has expressed his gratitude to manager Pep Guardiola for the "incredible moments" they shared together as he prepares to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of his contract this summer.
Stones Confirms Exit After a Decade
The 31-year-old England international will depart the club after 10 years, having joined City in 2016 for nearly £50 million — then the second-highest transfer fee ever paid for a defender. Stones made nearly 300 appearances for City, winning 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League.
In a video posted on Instagram, Stones said: "I don't think it would have been anywhere near as successful if it wasn't for him. The first time that I met him, I left that moment and knew that it was what I wanted to do, where I wanted to be, playing under the best manager in the world. I'm so grateful I've been able to spend so long with him, win everything with him, and share and have so many incredible moments together."
Emotional Farewell
Stones became visibly emotional as he reflected on his time at City, describing the club as "my home for the past 10 years, and it will be my home for the rest of my life." He added: "I came as a kid and I'm leaving as a man. I've become a father, a husband and, on the pitch, a very fulfilled player, living all my dreams out and lifting all the things I came here to achieve. At the start of my career here I never thought I'd be in this position – firstly, to achieve everything, but to have the love, the bond, with everyone. Every dream has been smashed out the park."
Stones, who has earned 87 caps for England, began his career at hometown club Barnsley before moving to Everton in 2013. His impressive form at Goodison Park prompted City to make him one of the most expensive defenders in the world at the time.
Injury-Hit Final Season
Injuries have limited Stones to just 16 appearances for City this season. He is the second long-serving player to announce his departure, following Bernardo Silva. Stones will hope to add more silverware before leaving, as City chase the Premier League and FA Cup titles.
City paid tribute to Stones on their website, stating: "The 31-year-old's huge contribution across the most sustained and successful era in the club's history stands without question. Now the club and all of our supporters will take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to a superb servant of Manchester City at the end of the season."
