- John Stones brought to tears reflecting on time at Man City
- Describes what makes club are ‘so special’ to him
- Defender will depart after Sunday’s game against Aston Villa
John Stones has been speaking with Manchester City ahead of his impending exit, and he was unable to hold back the tears.
All stories come to an end, even the ones that feel like they never will. John Stones’ Man City career is one of those stories.
It has been 10 years since the defender arrived from Everton. Signing for £47.5m, expectations were high, and Stones has certainly not disappointed.
He is only six matches off 300 appearances for the Citizens, and has played his part in the club’s six Premier League titles, along with a host of other trophies.
John Stones gets emotional during interview
Stones has sat down with Man City to discuss his time at the club, and it is clear just how much this move is affecting him.
The 31-year-old has been visibly emotional describing his journey at City, revealing that he has fulfilled his dreams at the Etihad Stadium.
"I look back on the ten years and I'm so proud of what I've achieved." 💬
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 21, 2026
John Stones' heartfelt final interview is out now 🩵
Watch 🔗 https://t.co/E8FScTDZM7 pic.twitter.com/zbwccWNkOb
“You create a bond and a friendship with everyone,” Stones said as he began to tear up.
“To live out all my dreams and all my goals, and to be able to give that to everyone – it’s been so special.
“Everything comes to an end and I wish it’d go on forever, but I know that’s not a possibility. It’s tough, but at the same time I can look back on the 10 years and I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved and what I’ve done here and the memories that I’ve got.
“Well what more can I say but thank you, and I will cherish the moments forever.”
Man City must build a stronger defence
Stones was a defensive rock back in his prime, but his first-team opportunities this season have been severely limited.
Pep Guardiola has managed to keep his defensive line quite strong, but Arsenal have been the superior team in this area.
The Gunners have only conceded 26 Premier League goals this season, while Man City have let in 33.
Keeping centre-backs fit is important
Josko Gvardiol has missed most of 2026 due to injury, and Ruben Dias has spent a fair chunk of time on the sidelines recently.
This has meant that since Marc Guehi’s arrival, Guardiola has only had a full strength defensive line for the first time within the past week.
If he can keep his existing centre-backs fit, City should be more secure at the back next season. Abdukodir Khusanov will keep developing, Guehi will grow more comfortable in the team, while Dias and Gvardiol are both fine players.
They will look to continue bringing success to Man City, replicating what Stones has done so well over the past decade.
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