Key Takeaways
- John Stones will leave Manchester City this summer upon the expiry of his ten-year contract at the Etihad Stadium
- The 31-year-old defender has won 19 major honours with the club, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League
- Injuries have limited the England international to only 16 appearances during the current season
Manchester City have officially announced that John Stones will depart the club when the current campaign reaches its conclusion. The 31-year-old England international will exit the Etihad Stadium upon the expiry of his contract this summer, drawing the curtain on a decade-long association with the Premier League champions.
The centre-back arrived at City in 2016 as one of Pep Guardiola’s first acquisitions. Across nearly 300 appearances, Stones has helped the club secure an impressive 19 major trophies. These successes include six Premier League championships and the coveted Champions League crown won in 2023. However, fitness troubles have plagued the defender throughout this term, restricting him to just 16 outings for the reigning champions.
Stones becomes the second long-serving player to confirm his impending departure, following Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva.
The Barnsley-born star began his professional journey with his hometown club before Everton secured his signature in 2013. Manchester City subsequently invested approximately £50 million to acquire his services—a figure that represented the second-highest fee ever paid for a defender at that time.
In an emotional statement shared on social media, Stones described the club as his home for life. He reflected upon his personal growth from a young player into a father and husband, whilst also expressing deep gratitude towards Guardiola. The England international noted that their first meeting convinced him immediately that he wished to play under the Spanish manager.
Stones has earned 87 caps for the England national team. Manchester City released an official tribute acknowledging the defender’s massive contribution during the most successful period in the club’s history. The supporters will have the opportunity to deliver a fitting farewell when the season concludes.