1 week ago
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John Stones' declaration on the eve of the season can provide Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola with a boost
John Stones was bullish in his assessment of his future this week.
“It’s laughable to me," the Manchester City defender said of a potential move away from the Etihad. "I understand why people do it but there’s nothing to comment on.
“I love it here, nothing’s happening. I’m here to fight and play and hopefully win some trophies."
Stones suffered an injury-hit 2024-25 campaign, missing large swathes of the season as City's title defence and European aspirations disintegrated.
But despite being out for more than 30 matches he played 24 times for club and country and was responsible for the last-gasp equaliser in the home draw with Arsenal and a late winner at Wolves.
He didn't play at all after February's Champions League exit to Real Madrid and his future has been cast into some doubt given his extended absence from the first team, the bloated nature of Pep Guardiola's squad following a £300million 2025 recruitment drive, and the partnership between Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias at the back which showed promise in the closing weeks of last season.
But a fit and firing Stones would be an asset to City. You need look no further than his performance in the 2023 Champions League final to see the quality he possesses, yet he comes into this campaign with plenty to prove.
At 31 and heading into the final 12 months of his contract there are naturally questions around his future, while his injury issues, City's squad size and Guardiola's declaration that he wants players he can call upon for the majority of the season naturally cast Stones' future in some doubt.
The player himself believes he can finish his career at the Etihad. His challenge for the coming weeks and months is to stay fit, perform well and recapture past form.
He's certainly up for the fight.
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