Guardiola celebrates Stones: a part of me and of the team is leaving

The words of Pep Guardiola about John Stones are a heartfelt tribute to the English defender, who has left Manchester City after ten seasons. The Spanish coach, who had him at his disposal throughout his time in charge of the Citizens, wanted to recall the importance of the player on the day of his farewell.

“I remember perfectly one of the first times I went to London to meet him at my brother’s house. I remember his expression in that first moment, he was young,” recounted Guardiola. The class of ’94 grew up to become one of the pillars of the team, so much so that he was decisive even on the most important nights.

“There are few, very few players without whom we could not understand what happened during this period together, and he is one of them. He was by far the best player in the Champions League final in Istanbul. This shows his great personality,” emphasized the coach. Words that certify the specific weight the Englishman had in City’s years of success.

“He feels fit and I hope he can regain his rhythm to be ready. Like Bernardo, a part of me and of ourselves is leaving. His contribution has been enormous. He is an incredible person both on and off the pitch. I said it for Bernardo, but I am incredibly grateful to have spent all these years with John,” concluded Guardiola. Meanwhile, Inter continues to work to bring the defender to the Nerazzurri: in recent hours the parties have come closer and confidence is growing within the Inter camp to successfully close the deal.