JOHN STONES paid tribute to the influence of Pep Guardiola on his career after confirming today he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old will depart the City of Manchester 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.
“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 will hope to finish up his time in Manchester with more silverware as City chase Premier League and FA Cup glory.
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