Since the 2020/2021 season when he became a mainstay in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City’s sides, John Stones has operated at consistently world-class standards.
While the 31-year-old’s progress has been halted by the fact that he remains extremely injury-prone, he still seems to have the hunger to play at the highest level.
Stones confirmed he will stay at Manchester City and shut down all the speculation surrounding his future: “I’m here, I want to stay here, I love it. I’m here to help the team and I don’t know if what’s been said or speculated but I hope that kind of shuts it down.”
Manchester City were apparently looking to sell Stones and time will tell whether they decide to part ways with the Englishman following the FIFA Club World Cup.
Upon hearing the six-time Premier League winner’s admission, opinions amongst City fans have been left divided.
Man City fans divided as John Stones confirms he wants to stay
Some Manchester City fans were all in favour of John Stones prolonging his time at the Etihad Stadium, with one supporter writing: “I think people really, really, really underestimate how much Stones loves being at City, never understood everyone saying he will be moved. Don’t play him in every game and he will continue to be excellent. He is hungry for more titles and can teach the new defenders plenty.”
Another City fan disagreed with other supporters who would like the Englishman to depart the Etihad Stadium, claiming: “People are genuinely angry that our best CB [centre-back] is staying.”
A third Manchester City fan agreed, explaining that Stones is an elite player who has taken the right decision to stay next season: “I don’t get the outrage. He has a contract and is entitled to abide by its terms. There’s a year left on it so why not stay and work towards an extension or leave on a free and get a fat signing bonus elsewhere. Smart guy plus [Stones is the] best CB itw [in the world].”
However, other fans would like the former Everton centre-back to leave Pep Guardiola’s side due to how injury-prone he is, with a fourth fan writing: “Sorry, mate but if you can only play seven games a season, you are a liability and you need to go.”
Another supporter pinpointed that with Stones earning £250,000-a-week at Manchester City, it comes as no surprise he aims to stay put despite being as unavailable as he is: “Of course he wants to stay, 250k-a-week and never has to do anything because he’s always injured.”
Finally, a sixth Manchester City fan stated that despite Stones’ brilliance as a centre-half, his chronic fitness issues mean it is time for him to be offloaded: “The best ability is availability. I love the man but he’s made of glass. Time to let go, I think.”
If the Barnsley-born colossus does end up staying, both sets of supporters will be hoping that he stays fit.
How many games John Stones has missed through injury at Man City
It is easy to see why there is skepticism from many about his durability, looking at the English defender’s injury record at City.
| JOHN STONES’ INJURY RECORD AT MAN CITY | |
| SEASON | GAMES MISSED |
| 2016/2017 | 0 |
| 2017/2018 | 5 |
| 2018/2019 | 13 |
| 2019/2020 | 18 |
| 2020/2021 | 6 |
| 2021/2022 | 0 |
| 2022/2023 | 13 |
| 2023/2024 | 12 |
| 2024/2025 | 33 |
For the last three seasons in particular, Stones has missed 10 or more games for the Sky Blues.
With Stones contracted to Manchester City until 2026, the fans might unanimously vouch for his departure unless he proves his fitness next season.
