John Stones admits being “shocked” by Manchester City fans’ reaction to exit news | OneFootball

Manchester City fans’ reaction to John Stones’ exit announcement left the defender “shocked”, he has revealed in a new interview.

Stones was given a heartwarming reception by the City faithful after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium before an open bus parade on Monday saw players from past and present come together to mark the end of the Pep Guardiola era in Manchester.

The 31-year-old is leaving City as a free agent as his contract runs out in June, having struggled for fitness in recent seasons as the Blues signed the likes of Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi for their backline in the longer run.

Now, speaking in one of his final interviews as a Manchester City player with The National’s Chris Bailey prior to his final game in sky blue, Stones reflected on the reaction of the club’s supporters to his emotional farewell video posted earlier this season.

“I have been shocked by the reaction to me leaving,” the England international said. “I didn’t intend to upset people. I have just tried to be authentic. I posted an announcement video because I wanted to get my love and my thoughts across to everyone and show how much being at City has meant to me.

“I wanted to make my appreciation for everyone that’s been involved on the journey with me crystal clear. It was important to get the news out there and then go on and enjoy these final weeks of the season. I’m not on social media but I’m glad the response has been positive.

“It’s a strange thing to do when you talk about leaving when you are still here. I’m just trying to enjoy the last moments and take in everything. The previous home game against (Crystal) Palace last week was one of those.

“I stood on the sidelines waiting to come on and was looking around the stadium, listening to the reception. It was surreal, especially as I had to be focused and come on and do a job but it was a great reception and it will last with me forever.”

“We’ve got one more against (Aston) Villa but I’m not one for the spotlight. I don’t think it has fully sunk in yet that I will be going.

“Moving clubs in football is part of the sport but I have made genuine friendships over a decade here. People who know me know how much I have loved it and still love it. Villa won’t be goodbye; it will be a ‘see you later’.”

The 31-year-old also took opportunity to reflect on the people that have helped him throughout his time at Manchester City, but particularly the club’s chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

“I’ve gotten to know Khaldoon well over the years,” Stones added. “We’ve spoken about my departure and I’m sure we will chat again before I go. I can’t speak highly enough of him. He is a touch of class in every aspect: both as a chairman and as a person.

“How he goes about having a relationship with us as players is perfect. There is never interference, just positive support. I have so much respect for him. You don’t see him often but when he’s here he is present, he is around us, he is tuned in.

“He knows exactly what’s been going on. Sometimes it seems he’s here when he isn’t here. His knowledge is incredible and everyone who is around him, the board members, are wonderful people.

“He has created a family and I am proud and grateful to say I will be part of it for the rest of my life. I am forever grateful to all the people at this club; they are what make it.

“From the laundry ladies, the chefs, the cleaners and guys who do the pools – everyone from day one has been so welcoming and that’s important.

“You have to have good players in a dressing room to be successful but what makes City such a special place is good people. You need them too. Everyone is doing their job at the highest level so the team and the club can be successful.

“This is my club forever and my team. I will be excited to come back once I’ve retired and support from the stands and watch from a fan’s perspective.”