John Stones has decided to move abroad following his Manchester City departure, rejecting Chelsea in favour of Inter Milan. The 32-year-old centre-half ended his decade-long stint at the Etihad, where he won six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Chelsea talks fail to sway Stones
Chelsea, now managed by Xabi Alonso, held multiple rounds of talks with Stones but he turned down the move to Stamford Bridge. Instead, he is closing in on a switch to Inter Milan, with an agreement in principle secured on a deal until 2028.
Inter move and Serie A challenge
Inter enter the campaign as defending Serie A champions, having won their second Italian title in three years. Stones could reunite with former City teammate Manuel Akanji at the San Siro. Another England defender, Fikayo Tomori, plays for city rivals AC Milan but is being linked with a move away.
Stones, who previously played for Barnsley and Everton, will bring the ball-playing ability that first attracted Pep Guardiola. Reflecting on his time at City, Stones said: “It’s been a roller coaster... to live out all my dreams... and to be able to give that to everyone and do it in the style and fashion that we have... It’s been so special.”
