Departing John Stones grateful for ‘incredible moments’ with Pep Guardiola
By Eleanor Crooks, Press Association Sport Correspondent
John Stones paid tribute to the influence of Pep Guardiola on his career after confirming he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old will depart the Etihad Stadium at the end of his contract, a decade after joining the club.
Stones was one of 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.
John Stones will leave Manchester City in the summer, bringing an end to a memorable and hugely successful ten-year stay.
🔗 https://t.co/NcunLGO8pT pic.twitter.com/QRhj2aABsi— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 28, 2026
“I don’t think it would have been anywhere (near) as successful if it wasn’t for him,” Stones said of the Catalan in a video on Instagram.
“The first time that I met him, I left that moment and knew that it was what I wanted to do, where I wanted to be, playing under the best manager in the world.
“I’m so grateful I’ve been able to spend so long with him, win everything with him, and share and have so many incredible moments together.”
The England defender has been restricted by injuries to only 16 appearances for City this season and is the second long-serving player to announce his impending departure after Bernardo Silva.
Stones became emotional speaking about his time at the Etihad, saying: “It’s been my home for the past 10 years, and it will be my home for the rest of my life.
“I came as a kid and I’m leaving as a man. I’ve become a father, a husband and, on the pitch, a very fulfilled player, living all my dreams out and lifting all the things I came here to achieve.
“At the start of my career here I never thought I’d be in this position – firstly, to achieve everything, but to have the love, the bond, with everyone. Every dream has been smashed out the park.”
Stones, who has been capped 87 times, began his career with his hometown club Barnsley before moving on to Everton in 2013.
His form at Goodison Park persuaded City to shell out nearly £50million, the second highest transfer fee paid for a defender at the time.
Stones will hope to finish up his time at the Etihad with more silverware as City chase Premier League and FA Cup glory.
City paid tribute to Stones on their website, saying: “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.”
