John Stones has announced that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
Stones will follow in the footsteps of another club legend, Bernardo Silva, as a free agent when his contract expires this summer, as City prepare for another summer of big changes.
The England defender’s final season at City was marred by injury, making just four starts in the Premier League, but he leaves behind a reputation as one of manager Josep Guardiola’s most important additions.
Stones is Guardiola’s second signing, having joined City from Everton for £47.5 million in the summer of 2016, having spent a trophy-filled decade at the Etihad.
The 31-year-old has won 19 major trophies with City, including six Premier League titles, one Champions League title, two FA Cup titles and five Carabao Cup titles, and was part of the side that won the treble in 2022-23.
Stones and Silva are the latest City legends to leave the club, following the departures of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Ederson last summer.
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Announcing their departure on Instagram, the Stones said: “This has been my home for the last 10 years and it will always be my home.”
“It’s been a roller coaster in many ways. I came as a kid and now I’m leaving as a man, a father, a husband and a very fulfilled player on the pitch.”
“I have fulfilled all my dreams and accomplished everything I have achieved since coming here.
“When I started my career here, I never thought I would be in this position. First of all, to achieve everything but love and connection with everyone. All my dreams have been shattered.”
Guardiola praises ‘adorable’ Stones’ influence
John Stones and match winner Nico Gonzalez at Wembley on Saturday
Stones was unable to play due to injury and made his first start in over a month in the FA Cup semi-final match between Wembley and Southampton.
Guardiola captained the defender in the 2-1 come-from-behind victory and spoke about him before the game, praising his influence over the past 10 years at City.
Guardiola explained his decision to bring Stones back into the eleven, telling TNT Sports: “He’s finally gone three weeks or a month without injury. Unfortunately, a lot has happened to him in the last two seasons.
“He was our first signing when I came here. It’s hard to understand how we could have achieved so much success without him on and off the pitch. He’s just lovely and a top player.”
