John Stones has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing to a close a highly successful 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.
The 31-year-old defender, whose contract expires this summer, joined City from Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million and went on to become a central figure during one of the most dominant eras in the club’s history.
During his time at City, Stones helped the club win six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, and five League Cups.
Reflecting on his departure, Stones described his time at the club as fulfilling both professionally and personally.
“It has been my home for the past 10 years, and it will be my home for the rest of my life. I lived all my dreams out and lifted all the things that I came here to achieve,” he said.
Stones was among the early signings made under manager Pep Guardiola and credited the Spaniard with shaping his development into a versatile modern defender.
Under Guardiola, he evolved beyond a traditional centre-back role, frequently stepping into midfield during matches, including in City’s historic 2023 Champions League-winning campaign.
However, injuries limited his involvement in recent seasons, with the defender featuring less frequently in the current campaign despite remaining an influential figure in the dressing room.
His departure marks another transition phase for Manchester City as the club continues to refresh its squad.
Stones leaves as one of the most decorated defenders in the club’s history, having played a pivotal role in its domestic dominance and European success over the past decade.
Attention is now expected to shift to his next destination as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.