England defender John Stones has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing an end to a decade-long spell at the club.
The 31-year-old, whose contract expires this summer, joined City from Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million and went on to become a key figure during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Stones helped City secure multiple major honours, including six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, and five League Cups.
As reported by BBC Sport on Tuesday, reflecting on his journey, Stones said he had achieved everything he set out to accomplish 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. “I lived all my dreams out and lifted all the things that I came here to achieve,” he said.
Stones was one of the early signings under manager Pep Guardiola and credited him for playing a major role in his development.
He evolved into a versatile defender under Guardiola, even stepping into midfield roles during key matches, including City’s 2023 Champions League triumph.
Despite his success, Stones’ later years at City were affected by injuries, limiting his appearances in recent seasons. He featured sparingly in the current campaign but remained an experienced presence within the squad.
Stones’ departure marks another significant change in the City squad as the club continues to evolve. He leaves as one of the most decorated defenders in the club’s history, having played a crucial role in their domestic and European dominance.
With his exit confirmed, attention will now turn to his next destination as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.
