- John Stones made his final Man City appearance on Sunday
- The defender delivered an emotional message to supporters
- Bernardo Silva helped provide a memorable farewell surprise
Manchester City supporters were given one final reminder of John Stones’ importance to the club after the defender brought his remarkable decade at the Etihad Stadium to an emotional close.
Pep Guardiola’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa in their final Premier League game of the season.
Ollie Watkins scored twice after Antoine Semenyo’s opener as the Sky Blues failed to salvage a few more at the Etihad.
However, the result was secondary on an afternoon which saw Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and Stones all say goodbye to the Manchester crowd.
Bernardo Silva’s dog provides touching John Stones Man City farewell moment
The Etihad farewell ceremony contained an unexpected tribute to Stones after the final whistle. As the stadium announcer called the England international’s name, Bernardo’s dog walked onto the pitch instead of the defender.
The Portuguese midfielder has named his dog John in honour of the City defender. It highlights the close relationship the two players developed during their years together in Manchester.
The light-hearted surprise came before Stones addressed the crowd in tears, with the defender struggling to contain his emotions.
“I can’t express the gratitude that I feel, to feel the love you’ve all given me over 10 years. It’s been a dream come true. From the bottom of my heart, and my family’s hearts, thank you so much,” Stones said.
He added, “It’s been an honour to wear the shirt in front of you guys, to play for this club – an absolute privilege. This will always be my home, and I look forward to watching the games from the stands with you. Thank you so much for all the memories, and I hope we made everyone’s dreams come true!”
Bernardo Silva and John Stones shared special Man City relationship
Speaking in 2022, Stones revealed that the Portuguese midfielder had repeatedly joked about naming a future dog after him before eventually following through with the promise.
The story summed up the warmth within a group that achieved almost everything possible together at City.
Stones and Bernardo shared the pitch during the 100-point Premier League season. They also won the Treble by winning the Champions League in 2023.
Bernardo and Stones leave together at the top of Man City history
Stones and Bernardo both departed the Etihad as the club’s joint-most decorated players, alongside Phil Foden.
The trio has won 20 major trophies during the Guardiola reign, as many as their gaffer. Likewise, the two were central figures in a side that permanently changed the standards of success at City.
Bernardo naming his dog after Stones was a humorous symbol of their bond, but the farewell ceremony reflected how closely their careers became connected.
