John Stones Announces Departure from Manchester City
England defender John Stones has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the current season, stating he has "lived all my dreams out" during his time at the club.
Stones, whose contract expires this summer, has made 293 appearances since his transfer from Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million.
Throughout his tenure, Stones contributed to Manchester City's success by winning six Premier League titles, the Champions League in the 2022-23 season, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.
In an emotional message posted on social media, Stones reflected on his decade at the club:
"It has been my home for the past 10 years and it will be my home for the rest of my life. It has been a rollercoaster in many ways. I came as a kid and now leaving as a man - becoming a father, a husband and, on the pitch, a very fulfilled player.
"I lived all my dreams out and lifted all the things that I came here to achieve.
"At the start of my career here I never would thought I would be in this position. Firstly, to achieve everything but to have the love, the bond with everyone. Every dream has been smashed out of the park."
Stones was Pep Guardiola's second signing at Manchester City and was the world's second most expensive defender at the time of his transfer.
He expressed gratitude towards Guardiola's influence on his career:
"I don't think it would have been anywhere near as successful without him.
I'm so grateful that I've been able to spend so long with him, win everything with him. I feel lucky and grateful for what he's done for me."
- Follow your club with
- Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast
- Get football news sent straight to your phone
