STONES INSISTS HE HAS FUTURE AT CITY

JOHN Stones insists he sees his future at City as he took to social media to celebrate four years at the club.

Stones has had a poor campaign, failing to hold down his place in the City team due to a mixture of poor form and injury problems.

He spoke publicly about his fitness work over lockdown to put himself in the best position possible for the re-start, but then suffered another injury as training resumed.

That allowed Eric Garcia to move ahead of him in Pep Guardiola’s thinking, just as Fernandinho had done earlier in the season. Stones’s 24 appearances in all competitions is his lowest since joining from Everton for £47m in 2016.

And his frustrating season, coupled with City’s signing of Nathan Ake from Bournemouth, has led to growing speculation that Stones could leave the Etihad this summer.

But it appears the 26-year-old has no intention of leaving City anytime soon, as he said he was looking forward to the future when reflecting on his four-year anniversary since signing for the club.

Writing on Instagram, he said: “Four years ago today I signed for this amazing club! What a four years it’s been, 2PL, 1FA, 3EFL, 2 Community Shields, I have loved every minute and I am looking forward to my future here.”

Stones faces a fight for his place following the arrival of Ake, with City still in the market for another central defensive addition. However, with Eric Garcia opting against signing a new contract, and reports suggesting Nicolas Otamendi could leave, then Stones may be needed next term.