Manchester City's John Stones has confirmed that he will be leaving the club at the end of the current season. Stones, who has been plagued by injuries this season, will exit the club as a free agent when his contract expires. His departure marks the end of an era, as he follows in the footsteps of fellow club legend Bernardo Silva out of the Etihad door. Despite being limited to just four Premier League starts this season due to injury, Stones leaves behind a legacy as one of Pep Guardiola's most pivotal signings.
Signed from Everton in 2016 for £47.5m, Stones has enjoyed a decorated decade at City, winning 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, one Champions League, and two FA Cups. His time at City has been nothing short of remarkable, and he will be remembered as a key figure in the club's success.
Stones and Silva are the latest in a line of City legends to depart, following the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Ederson, who left last summer. In a heartfelt Instagram post, 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.' He also expressed his gratitude for the love and bond he has shared with the club and its fans, stating, 'Every dream has been smashed out of the park.' Stones' influence on the team has been profound, and his leadership was on full display when he captained the team to a 2-1 comeback win over Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final. Guardiola praised Stones, saying, 'He is just adorable and a top player,' and acknowledged the significant role he has played in the club's success over the years.