By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: FA Cup.
England defender John Stones will leave Manchester City this summer, bringing an end to a hugely successful ten-year stay at the Etihad.
The 31-year-old, who joined from Everton in 2016, will depart as a free agent.
Stones follow Bernado Silva out of the Etihad, after it was announced last week the Portugal forward would be leaving when his contract expires on June 30.
“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 date, Stones has helped City win 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, two FA Cup triumphs, five Carabao Cup successes, three Community Shields, a FIFA Club World Cup and a UEFA Super Cup winner’s medal.
Meanwhile Guardiola’s future also remains up in the air, and with at least two Man City stalwarts set for imminent exits, it represents another squad evolution for the club.