Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Stones Dismisses Transfer Rumors, Affirms Commitment to Manchester City
Amid speculation regarding his future, John Stones has declared his intention to remain at Manchester City, despite acknowledging that persistent injuries led to periods of self-doubt. The defender aims to put an end to discussions about a potential move and reaffirm his commitment to the club. Stones’ statement comes as the team competes and management considers squad adjustments.
Injury Struggles and Future Doubts
The 31-year-old Manchester City defender experienced another season hampered by injury in 2024-25, logging only 1,134 minutes across all competitions, including just six Premier League starts. Since joining in the summer of 2016, Stones has never surpassed his initial campaign’s total of 23 league starts for the club.
Guardiola’s Squad Management and Stones’ Situation
Ahead of the Club World Cup match against Al Ain, manager Pep Guardiola reiterated his preference for a streamlined squad, prompting suggestions that Stones might depart due to his susceptibility to injuries and approaching contract expiration next summer.
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Stones’ Response to Speculation
However, Stones firmly stated: “I’m here, I want to stay here, I love it. I’m here to help the team. I hope that kind of shuts down what’s been said or speculated.”
Reflecting on Difficult Times
Stones conceded he had contemplated his future in football. “Yeah, there’s been points where you think… you dedicate all your life, especially how I approach or go about my life, and football, I give everything, on and off the pitch… and [there] are the dark days,” he admitted.
- “Everyone’s been through them and think: ‘why is this happening?’”
- “You wish it would have gone a different path.”
He continued: “All of us have been through different upbringings and challenges through life and what did we do within those situations, was it fight or was it give up? I was a fighter from a young age, in difficult moments, you have to look at the bigger picture and realise what are your morals, what you believe in, and fight to make it worthwhile.”
Focus on Recovery and Contribution
Stones is currently working towards full fitness and was not available for the match against Al Ain at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Looking Ahead
“I feel great and I’m excited to get going,” he said. “It’s difficult when you’re injured. From that aspect I know the guys mentally and physically have had such a long season, [but] I suppose mentally for me it’s been difficult dealing with the injuries and the process.”
- “Now I’ve put that behind me and will use this as a mini-introduction back before the new season and another trophy for us to hopefully win and get some game-time.”
Uncertainty Surrounding Injuries
Stones expressed uncertainty regarding the cause of his recurring injuries. “I don’t know what the reason is, and we’ve sat with the medical staff, sports science, to try and figure out why,” he explained. “Some things can’t be explained. Which is even more testing mentally when there’s not really an answer.”
Adapting and Moving Forward
“I’ve been unlucky with some of the injuries that I’ve had, they were very rare last season, after speaking to specialists. Sometimes I think, why has it happened to me? But I’ve got to deal with that and move forward and try to adapt with how my body’s adapting,” Stones added.
- “I’ve been back in training a few weeks now, and that’s been going great, trying to do extra running if I need to, if I need to try and get those levels up. Just those little, really small details have made such a big difference.”
A victory for City in their next match will guarantee their place in the knockout stage.