English defender John Stones has confirmed that he will be leaving Manchester City upon the expiration of his contract, marking the end of a decade-long tenure with the club. This summer, Stones will join fellow City legend Bernardo Silva in departing the team as a free agent.
Despite being limited to just four Premier League starts this season due to injuries, Stones leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of Pep Guardiola's most crucial signings. Stones was Guardiola's second signing, joining City from Everton for £47.5m in 2016, and has since accumulated an impressive array of trophies, including six Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, and five Carabao Cups. The 31-year-old defender has been an integral part of City's success, including the treble-winning side in the 2022/23 season.
Stones and Silva are the latest City legends to announce their departure, following in the footsteps of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Ederson, who left the club last summer. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Stones expressed his gratitude to the club, stating that Manchester City will always be his home.
Guardiola also praised Stones, highlighting his influence on the team's success over the past decade and citing his admiration for the defender as a player and a person.