England international John Stones has announced he will leave Manchester City at the end of the current season, bringing to a close a remarkable 10-year spell with the Premier League giants.
The 31-year-old defender, whose contract runs out this summer, joined City from Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million. Over the years, he established himself as a key part of one of the most dominant eras in the club’s history.
During his time at the Etihad, Stones won an impressive collection of trophies, including six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, and five League Cups.
Reflecting on his journey, Stones described his time at City as deeply fulfilling.
“It has been my home for the past 10 years, and it will be my home for the rest of my life. I’ve lived my dreams here and achieved everything I set out to accomplish,” he said.
Stones was among the early signings of manager Pep Guardiola and credited the Spaniard for shaping his development. Under Guardiola, he evolved into a modern, ball-playing defender, even stepping into midfield roles, most notably during City’s 2023 Champions League-winning campaign.
However, his later years at the club were disrupted by injuries, which limited his appearances in recent seasons. Despite that, he remained an experienced and influential figure within the squad.
His departure signals another transition phase for Manchester City as they continue to reshape their squad. Stones leaves as one of the most decorated defenders in the club’s history, having played a central role in their domestic and European dominance.
With his exit now confirmed, attention is expected to shift to his next move as he prepares for a new chapter in his career.
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