Manchester City defender John Stones is set to leave City at the end of the season and has admitted he never imagined he would achieve so much at the club.
The England international is set to leave City at the end of the season after an extraordinary 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium. Stones arrived in 2016 during Pep Guardiola’s first transfer window in charge and quickly became one of the most important players in the squad.
During his time in Manchester, Stones helped City win 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s historic Champions League triumph in 2023. He was a key figure in the Treble-winning campaign that many supporters regard as the greatest season in City’s history.
Speaking emotionally about his departure, Stones said the success he experienced at City went far beyond anything he had dreamed of as a young player.
“I honestly could never have dreamt of doing the things that I’ve done or the magnitude of what we achieved,” Stones said.
“If someone had told me before I joined that all of this would happen, I probably would not have believed half of it.
“I’m grateful and proud because I’ve had incredible people around me the whole time. To share those moments with the fans, the staff and everyone connected to the club has been special.”
Stones also reflected on the highs and lows of his decade at City and said fulfilling his ambitions while bringing success to supporters meant everything to him.
“To live out all my dreams as a player has been incredible,” he added.
“The Treble season was something the club had never done before, and to be part of that was unforgettable. It has all been so special.”
Despite preparing for a new chapter in his career, Stones admitted leaving City still feels difficult to process.
“Everything comes to an end and I wish it could go on forever,” he said.
“It has not really sunk in yet. But when I finally leave, I think it will hit me hard.
“I look back with huge pride at what we achieved and the memories I’ve shared with the players, staff and fans. Those bonds will stay with me forever.”
