Can Monaco save the careers of Pogba & Ansu?

Pep's puzzle: How do City's ferocious forwards all fit in?

Bruno Fernandes makes it all worth it

Why Barcelona are signing Man Utd slayer Bardghji

Top 10 breakout stars of the Club World Cup so far

Editors' Picks

Real Madrid vs Al Hilal: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Pachuca vs Salzburg: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Manchester City vs Wydad Casablanca: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Monterrey vs Inter: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Seat Unique names founding partner of Hill Dickinson Stadium 

Man City outcast Walker reassured over pace questions & future

Newlyweds Dyer & Bowen do not fear famous Strictly ‘curse’

Man City warned off transfer gamble on free agent Pogba 

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Stones talks about Man City departure</li><li>Says that he plans to stay with the side</li><li>Opens up on 'dark days' during injury layoff</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

John Stones reveals stance on Man City exit as he lifts lid on 'dark days' during lengthy injury battle at Etihad Stadium

FIFA Club World Cup

Juventus

Manchester City

<p>Stones has poured cold water on rumours of a summer exit by declaring he wants to remain at Manchester City. The defender, 31, started<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/john-stones-ruled-out-ten-weeks-pep-guardiola-confirms-injury-blow-man-city-england-thomas-tuchel-first-national-team-camp/bltffffc3193617b42c" target="_blank"> just six league games last season due to injuries</a> and enters the final year of his contract. With Pep Guardiola reportedly aiming to reduce the size of his squad—now packed with seven centre-backs—Stones’ future had been under question. But the England international has no plans to leave.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Stones has not played since February after suffering a thigh injury during City’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. His 2023/24 season was repeatedly disrupted by fitness issues, as he managed just 12 Premier League starts in total. With City signing Vitor Reis and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-city-first-january-transfer-pep-guardiola-side-secure-deal-lens-defender-abdukodir-khusanov/blt35c699e7086f65a8" target="_blank">Abdukodir Khusanov</a> in January, the defensive competition is fierce. However, Stones is a part of the Club World Cup squad and is eager to play a bigger role next season.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking to the media, Stones said: “I want to stay here. I love it. I’m here to help the team. I don’t know if there’s been any speculation [about going], but I hope that this kind of shuts it down.</p><p>“There have been points where you think, you’ve been giving all this effort… and [there] are the dark days. Everyone’s been through them and [you] think: ‘Why is this happening?’</p><p>“You wish it would have gone a different path. All of us have been through different upbringings and challenges through life. 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 your morals are, what you believe in, and fight to make it worthwhile.”</p>

WHAT STONES SAID

<p>Stones is expected to remain with Manchester City for the 2025/26 season and could feature in a bigger role for Guardiola. Contract talks may surface later in the campaign, but for now, his focus is on regaining full fitness and proving he still has a vital role to play at the Etihad.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR STONES?

John Stones reveals stance on Man City exit as he lifts lid on 'dark days' during lengthy injury battle at Etihad Stadium | Goal.com

Manchester City&apos;s John Stones has opened up on a potential departure from the Citizens, as he opens up on his &apos;dark days&apos; during a lenghty injury.

John Stones reveals stance on Man City exit as he lifts lid on &apos;dark days&apos; during lengthy injury battle at Etihad Stadium

Next Match