John Stones makes feelings clear on future after Everton transfer links - 'The bigger picture'

John Stones makes feelings clear on future after Everton transfer links - 'The bigger picture'

The former Everton defender has been linked with an exit from Manchester City after further injury problems

John Stones of Manchester City speaks to the media ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group Stage match with Al Ain FC. Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

John Stones said he wanted to “shut down” speculation he is set to leave Manchester City. The centre back has been linked with a move away from the Etihad after another season struggling with injury and with Pep Guardiola’s apparent intent to retain a small squad. That has led to suggestions he could return to Everton , the club he left to join City in 2016.

But while out with the squad in the USA for the Club World Cup, Stones has sought to pour water on claims he might be set to leave.

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Addressing the question directly, Stones told the Guardian : “I’m here, I want to stay here, I love it. I’m here to help the team, and I don’t know what’s been said or speculated, but I hope that kind of shuts it down.”

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The words of the 31-year-old follow another difficult season in which injury has limited his availability. Stones, who has won all there is to win since his Goodison Park exit, managed just six starts in the Premier League last season.

The potential for a return to Everton was unlikely given his troubling injury record though David Moyes may need cover in that position should Michael Keane depart when his current contract expires next week. Moyes signed Stones from Barnsley at the end of the final transfer window during his first stint with the Blues.

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Speaking more widely on his injury problems Stones, who is close to a return for City, said: “There’s been points where you think, you’ve been giving all this effort, you dedicate all your life, especially how I approach or go about my life, and football, I give everything, on and off the pitch to be here or be ready to play games 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 and what did we do within those situations, 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 are your morals, what you believe in, and fight to make it worthwhile.”

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