Guardiola recalled his early memories of Stones, reflecting on their first meeting and the defender\u2019s growth into a key figure during one of the most successful eras in the club\u2019s history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOne of the first times I remember perfectly travelling to London to meet him at my brother\u2019s house. I remember his face in that first moment; he was young,\u201d Guardiola said in a press conference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Emphasising Stones\u2019 importance, Guardiola admitted that the England player has been central to City\u2019s achievements in recent years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere are a few players that without them we cannot understand what has happened in this period together, and he is one of them,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The City boss also singled out Stones\u2019 performance in the UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul as a defining moment that underlined his quality and temperament on the big stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe was the best player by far in the Champions League final in Istanbul. That shows his huge personality,\u201d Guardiola noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Guardiola expressed hope that Stones will regain full fitness and find his rhythm before his departure, while acknowledging the emotional impact of his exit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe feels fit, and hopefully, he can find the rhythm to be ready. Like Bernardo, part of me and ourselves is leaving,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Praising both his professional and personal qualities, Guardiola concluded by underlining Stones\u2019 lasting legacy at the club.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHis contribution has been massive. He\u2019s 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,\u201d Guardiola said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Having joined City in 2016, where England's premier footballer became Pep Guardiola's second signing, Stones has gone on to make 293 appearances for the club.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
To date, Stones has helped City win 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, two FA Cup triumphs, five Carabao Cup successes, three Community Shields, a FIFA Club World Cup, and a UEFA Super Cup winner's medal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Stones was a key part of the team that won the treble in 2023, starting both the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the Champions League final against Inter Milan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
To date, Stones has helped City win 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, two FA Cup triumphs, five Carabao Cup successes, three Community Shields, a FIFA Club World Cup, and a UEFA Super Cup winner's medal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"It has been my home for the past 10 years, and it will be my home for the rest of my life. It has been a rollercoaster in many ways. I came as a kid and now leaving as a man - becoming a father, a husband and, on the pitch, a very fulfilled player,\" He said in a video on Instagram.<\/p>\r\n\r\n