Stones’ contribution ‘massive’ says Pep

Stones’ contribution ‘massive’ says Pep

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to John Stones, who announced he will be leaving City this summer.

The England defender will bring a decade of wonderful service to a close after the 2025/26 campaign and the Blues’ boss says a piece of everyone at the club will leave, too.

Speaking of when he signed Stones in August 2016, Pep said: “One of the first times I remember perfectly travelling to London to meet him in my brother’s house.

“I remember his face in that first moment, he was young.

“There are few, few players that without them we cannot understand what has happened in this period together and he is one of them.

“He was the best player by far in the Champions League final in Istanbul. That shows his huge personality.

“He feels fit and hopefully he can find the rhythm to be ready. Like Bernardo, part of me and ourselves is leaving.

“His contribution has been massive. He’s an incredible person both on and off the pitch.

“I said it with Bernardo, but I am so incredibly grateful to live this many years with John.”

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