Stones ‘Couldn’t Be Happier’ After Signing New Manchester City Contract

Manchester City defender John Stones has expressed his delight at signing a new contract at the club.

The ‘Barnsley Beckenbauer,’ as he is affectionately known on social media, had 12 months remaining on his existing contract and would have been free to leave next summer. However the blues have moved to secure his services for another five years, tying him to the club until 2026.

And the defender has spoken of his delight at the new contract. “I couldn’t be happier. I love being part of this squad. There are so many quality players here and I know we can continue winning trophies, which is my main focus.

“Working with the manager is a dream. He has taught me so much about the game and I feel like I learn something new every single day. The success we’ve had in the last four years has been incredible. To be a part of it has been a dream come true and I just want to continue winning.

“This is the best place for me to play my football and fulfil my ambitions.”

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain also express his delight at the new contract. “This is great news for our club. John is an exceptional footballer and a fantastic defender, whose attributes are well suited to our style of play.

“We knew when we signed him that we were getting a talented centre-back, but he has really matured in his five years here and, as we saw last season, is at the top of his game right now.

“John has been an important part of our recent success and we believe he can continue to help us achieve our goals, so for him to commit his best years to us is a major boost for the club.”

Stones had a difficult start to his City career since joining the club in 2016, and two seasons ago he struggled to get into the side following the departure of captain Vincent Kompany. A partnership with Nicolas Otamendi failed to materialise and Stones was in and out of the team until the club signed Ruben Dias from Benfica.

Since then, the defender has excelled at the heart of the City defence, culminating in his re-selection for the national side, where he played every game of the Three Lions run to the final.

During his time at City, Stones has won three Premier League titles, four League Cups, an FA Cup and two Community Shields, and last season he weighed in with five goals as City strolled to the title.