John Stones released by Manchester City, praised by Tuchel as proven winner

John Stones has been released by Manchester City after a decade at the club, making 293 appearances and winning six Premier League titles. Despite an injury-disrupted season, England manager Thomas Tuchel praised Stones as a 'proven winner' and started him in the World Cup opener against Croatia.

John Stones released by Manchester City, praised by Tuchel as proven winner The defender leaves the Etihad after a decade of dominance but earns a starting spot in England's World Cup opener against Croatia John Stones is no longer a Manchester City player. After ten years, 293 appearances, and a trophy cabinet that most defenders can only dream about, the 32-year-old confirmed his departure from the club on April 28, walking away as a free agent when his contract expires on June 30. But here’s the thing: a player who couldn’t stay fit enough to hold down a regular spot in City’s squad this season just started England’s World Cup opener against Croatia. Thomas Tuchel, England’s manager, doesn’t seem bothered by the irony. A decade at the Etihad, bookended by question marks Stones arrived at Manchester City from Everton in August 2016 for an initial fee of £47.5 million. Over the next decade, Stones collected six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and three EFL Cups. The crown jewel was City’s treble-winning 2022-23 season. He extended his contract in 2021, a commitment that kept him at the Etihad through this season. But injuries plagued his 2025-26 campaign, limiting his appearances and ultimately making it clear that City wouldn’t be offering fresh terms. Tuchel’s faith and England’s gamble Tuchel acknowledged that Stones arrived at the England camp with minor muscle issues. But the German manager made his position clear, calling Stones a “proven winner” whose experience and leadership outweigh concerns about his recent fitness record. Tuchel praised Stones as a “proven winner” with invaluable experience, selecting him to start England’s World Cup opener against Croatia despite his injury-disrupted season. What comes next for Stones With his City chapter officially closed, Stones enters free agency at 32. Bayern Munich and Everton have both been linked with a move. As a free agent, Stones commands no transfer fee, which makes him attractive even with his injury history. Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy https://cryptobriefing.com/editorial-policy/ .