Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Stones won the Champions League with Manchester City in 2022-23
ByMandeep SangheraBBC Sport journalist- Published28 April 2026, 13:11 BST
- 257 Comments
England defender John Stones said he "lived all my dreams out" at Manchester City after confirming he will leave at the end of the season.
Stones, whose contract runs out this summer, has made 293 appearances since joining from Everton for £47.5m in 2016.
He helped City win six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the Club World Cup and the Uefa Super Cup.
"It has been my home for the past 10 years and it will be my home for the rest of my life," said an emotional Stones in a social media post.
"It has been a rollercoaster in many ways. I came as a kid and now leaving as a man - becoming a father, a husband and, on the pitch, a very fulfilled player.
"I lived all my dreams out and lifted all the things that I came here to achieve.
"At the start of my career here I never would thought I would be in this position. Firstly, to achieve everything but to have the love, the bond with everyone. Every dream has been smashed out of the park."
Stones was Pep Guardiola's second signing at City, becoming the world's second most expensive defender at the time.
"I don't think it would have been anywhere near as successful without him," said Stones.
"I'm so grateful that I've been able to spend so long with him, win everything with him. I feel lucky and grateful for what he's done for me."
To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
This video can not be played
Figure caption,Injuries made Stones 'think about retirement'
More to follow.
Related topics
Follow your club with BBC Sport
- Published12 March
Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast
Get football news sent straight to your phone
- Published16 August 2025
