England defender John Stones has mentioned he has achieved all his goals at Manchester Metropolis after confirming he’ll depart the membership on the finish of the season.
The 31-year-old, whose contract expires this summer season, has performed 293 matches since becoming a member of from Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million.
Throughout his time at Metropolis, Stones gained six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, 5 League Cups, three Neighborhood Shields, the FIFA Membership World Cup and the UEFA Tremendous Cup.
In an emotional message on social media, Stones mentioned Manchester Metropolis has been his residence for the previous 10 years and can all the time stay particular to him. He defined that he arrived as a younger participant and is now leaving as a extra mature man, having constructed a household and loved a profitable profession on the pitch.
He added that he achieved all the things he hoped for on the membership and by no means imagined he would attain such a stage of success or construct such sturdy relationships with teammates and followers.
Stones additionally praised supervisor Pep Guardiola, saying he’s grateful for the chance to work with him and believes his success wouldn’t have been doable with out the Spaniard.
The defender was Guardiola’s second signing on the membership and was, on the time, one of the costly defenders on the planet.
He’s one in all a number of long-serving gamers to depart the Etihad, following the departures of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Ederson final summer season. Membership captain Bernardo Silva can also be anticipated to depart quickly.
Regardless of combating accidents in latest seasons, Stones stays a fan favorite. He scored 19 objectives for the membership, together with an vital equaliser in opposition to Arsenal in 2024, and produced a well-known goal-line clearance in opposition to Liverpool in the course of the 2018–19 title race.
Considered one of his standout moments got here in 2023 when he performed in midfield as Metropolis defeated Inter Milan to win the Champions League and full a historic treble.
Nevertheless, accidents have affected his consistency. He has made solely 16 appearances this season and has missed many matches through the years resulting from health issues.
Supervisor Guardiola just lately mentioned Stones stays a high defender when totally match however admitted accidents have restricted his impression.
As he prepares to depart, Stones may quickly resolve his subsequent transfer, with reviews linking him to Barcelona, whereas Everton and Coventry Metropolis are additionally mentioned to have an interest.
