Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to John Stones, who announced he will be leaving City this summer.
The England defender will bring a decade of wonderful service to a close after the 2025/26 campaign and the Blues’ boss says a piece of everyone at the club will leave, too.
Speaking of when he signed Stones in August 2016, Pep said: “One of the first times I remember perfectly travelling to London to meet him in my brother’s house.
“I remember his face in that first moment, he was young.
“There are few, few players that without them we cannot understand what has happened in this period together and he is one of them.
“He was the best player by far in the Champions League final in Istanbul. That shows his huge personality.
“He feels fit and hopefully he can find the rhythm to be ready. Like Bernardo, part of me and ourselves is leaving.
“His contribution has been massive. He’s an incredible person both on and off the pitch.
“I said it with Bernardo, but I am so incredibly grateful to live this many years with John.”
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Pep was also asked about his thoughts on the recent fixture announcements for Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.
He replied: “It is what it is. I would prefer we play Champions League semi-finals. When we won Treble and quadruple we had this type of calendar, but it is what it is.
“We will adapt and play game by game. The calendar, the broadcasters decide when the games are. We will be there with 11 players and players on the bench.
“It’s not important what happens in other countries, but it is what it is. If I don’t like it I will go to France or Portugal.
“I like to be here. I never expect differently. If they decide to play any day, we will play.”
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