John Stones will depart Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing to a close a 10-year spell that delivered multiple domestic titles and a UEFA Champions League crown at the Etihad.
The 31-year-old defender joined City from Everton in 2016 as Pep Guardiola’s second signing and has since made 293 appearances, scoring 19 goals.
Across his time in Manchester, Stones won six Premier League titles and the Champions League among a long list of honours.
There could yet be more this season: City have already lifted the League Cup, are locked in a title race with Arsenal, and face Chelsea in next month’s FA Cup final.
In an emotional social media post, Stones reflected on his journey 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,” Stones said.
“It’s been a rollercoaster in many ways.
“I came as a kid and I’m now leaving as a man — becoming a father, a husband and, on the pitch, a very fulfilled player I suppose in living all my dreams out and lifting all the things that I came here to achieve.
“At the start of my career here I never would have thought I would be in this position. Firstly, to achieve everything but to have the love, the bond with everyone. Every dream has been smashed out of the park.”
Stones arrived for £47.5 million, then the world’s second-most expensive fee for a defender. With his contract expiring at the end of the campaign, he paid tribute to Guardiola for shaping his success.
“I don’t think it would have been anywhere near as successful… if it wasn’t for him,” he said.
“I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to spend so long with him, win everything with him and share and have so many incredible moments together. I feel lucky and grateful for what he’s done.”
Stones, expected to feature in England’s World Cup squad, becomes the second long-serving City player to confirm his exit after club captain Bernardo Silva.
Injuries have limited him to 16 appearances in all competitions this season.
Paying tribute on its website, City said:
“The 31-year-old’s huge contribution across the most sustained and successful era in the club’s history stands without question.
“Now the club and all of our supporters will take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to a superb servant of Manchester City at the end of the season.”
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