“This is an incredible shirt to represent” — Stones marks Inter bow with goal and targets Serie A challenge | OneFootball

John Stones has said Inter Milan have one of the 'most iconic shits in football history' after marking his debut for the club with a goal.

Stones scored the decisive goal as Inter beat Real Betis 1-0 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, with the summer signing keeping his cool to fire home late one.

The 32-year-old has signed for Inter after a decorated period at Manchester City, and said he's excited to embrace the challenge of a new club, culture and competition.

Reflecting on his dream debut, Stones said he feels immense pride at representing one of the giants of Italian and European football.

“I’m really pleased. It feels great to score this goal, especially because it doesn’t happen very often for me," he toldinter.en.

"Wearing these colours and scoring this goal is special, and I’m really excited about what’s to come. The team put in a very strong performance. Everyone worked incredibly hard, and I’m delighted to have been able to give them a victory they deserved.

"This is an incredible shirt to represent, one of the most iconic in football history. You can feel the greatness of this Club everywhere at the training centre. I’ve seen the trophies, and this is a special team. I’m proud to be part of it. We want to write new chapters in the club’s history.

“I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone” — Stones sets ambition at “incredible” Inter Milan

"Serie A is a tricky league; it has many strong teams competing forChampions League places. I’m really excited for the challenge and to experience a new style of football that I’m not used to. I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone, so let’s see what happens."

Stones' settling-in period has benefitted from the presence of former Manchester City teammate Manuel Akanji. The centre-back has reunited with the Swiss defender in Italy and said he's grateful to share a dressing room with Akanji again.

"I think he’s a really great guy: humble and genuine, just like he is on the pitch. He’s a world-class player. I was lucky enough to share a dressing room with him for three years at City, and now I’m fortunate to have found him here again.”