- Stones prepares to end a trophy-laden City career
- Chairman reflects on defender’s influence under Guardiola
- Tribute captures one of his most defining moments
A defining John Stones intervention during Manchester City’s era of dominance has now been permanently marked at the club’s training ground.
The England international was Pep Guardiola’s second signing after arriving from Everton in 2016. Likewise, he went on to become a central figure in the most successful period of City’s history.
Stones has made 294 appearances for the Sky Blues, scoring 19 goals and winning 20 major trophies ahead of Sunday’s clash against Aston Villa.
The Villa game will mark the last of his Man City career. However, despite the trophies, no moment captures his contribution better than the goal-line clearance against Liverpool in 2019.
Man City unveil John Stones tribute at CFA
Manchester City have now ensured that moment will remain permanently associated with Stones after unveiling a mosaic in his honour at the City Football Academy.
The artwork, created by a Manchester sculptor and City supporter, Mark Kennedy, depicts Stones’ remarkable clearance in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
Likewise, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak presented the mosaic to the 31-year-old ahead of his final fixture against Aston Villa.
“I am leaving a Manchester City fan forever, so to have this permanent installation at the City Football Academy is a real honour for me and my family,” John Stones said after receiving the permanent installation.
He added, “This club has given me so much – my teammates, the manager, the staff and the fans have been incredible. I cannot tell you how much my time here means to me, and this mosaic feels so special.”
Khaldoon Al Mubarak underlines John Stones’ tactical impact
The Man City chairman added that Stones was signed to change what a defender could contribute to the team.
His arrival from Everton was a sign that the standard for defenders was about to change. The England international was already comfortable with possession and was willing to play out from the back.
However, under Guardiola, these qualities were amplified beyond expectations. While his mosaic depicts his best defensive moment, Stones’ full scope of contributions has been defined by Guardiola’s style of football.
John Stones leaves with place secured in Man City history
While his impact was never in doubt, Stones now has something that will physically stay with the club for years to come.
Likewise, the defender’s legacy is also distinct as he’s a defender. The Liverpool clearance protected one of the club’s most dramatic Premier League title wins.
The England international’s midfield role during the Treble season also represented the peak of his development under Guardiola.
