Manchester City will bid farewell to John Stones at the end of the season, as the England defender has announced his departure from the club. Stones' final season has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just four Premier League starts, but he leaves behind a legacy as one of Pep Guardiola's most crucial signings. Having joined City from Everton for £47.5m in 2016, Stones has enjoyed a decorated decade at the Etihad, lifting 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League.
Stones and Bernardo Silva will become the latest City legends to depart, following in the footsteps of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Ederson. In a statement on Instagram, Stones reflected on his time at City, saying: "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." Guardiola praised Stones' influence at City, stating: "He was our first signing when I arrived here. Difficult to understand the big success that we had without him, on and off the pitch. He is just adorable and a top player."