John Stones to leave Manchester City at season's end

Manchester City defender John Stones announced on Sunday that he will depart the club at the end of the season when his contract expires, ending a decade-long stint at the Etihad Stadium.

The 31-year-old England international, who joined City from Everton for 47.5 million pounds in 2016 as Pep Guardiola's second signing, made 293 appearances and won 16 major trophies. Those honors include six Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2023, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. Stones helped deliver trebles in the 2018-19 and 2022-23 seasons, including City's first Champions League crown with a victory over Inter Milan in Istanbul.

In an emotional Instagram video and post, Stones reflected on his journey. "It has been my home for the past 10 years and it will be my home for the rest of my life," he said. "This is my team forever and always will be. 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."