John Stones is to leave Manchester City at the end of the season after a decade at the club. City confirmed the news on Tuesday, with the 31-year-old departing the Etihad Stadium at the end of his contract.
Stones was one of Pep Guardiola’s first signings in 2016 and has made nearly 300 appearances for City, helping the club win 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League.
The England defender has been restricted by injuries to only 16 appearances for the club this season and is the second long-serving player to announce his impending departure after Bernardo Silva.
“It’s been my home for the past 10 years, and it’ll be my home for the rest of my life,” Stones wrote on Instagram. “It’s been a roller coaster in many ways. I came as a kid and now leaving as a man, becoming a father, a husband and, on the pitch, a very fulfilled player, I suppose, living all my dreams out and lifting all the things that I came here to achieve.
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“At the start of my career, I never would have thought I’d be in this position - firstly, to achieve everything - but to have to love the bond with everyone. Every dream has been smashed out the park …”