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

Stones has poured cold water on rumours of a summer exit by declaring he wants to remain at Manchester City. The defender, 31, started just six league games last season due to injuries 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.

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 Abdukodir Khusanov 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.

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.

“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?’

“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.”

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.