Manchester City have confirmed a new contract for centre-back John Stones, keeping him at the club until 2026.
Stones, 27, has enjoyed a renaissance in his City career over the last 18 months, going from struggling to reach the starting 11 to knuckling down over the 2020 lockdown and returning to win back his place and play a key role in last year's Premier League title triumph.
The England defender was under contract until next summer, and City have now agreed a new four-year extension that will keep the No.5 at the Etihad for ten seasons.
Speaking about his new deal, Stones said: “I couldn’t be happier. I love being part of this squad. There are so many quality players here and I know we can continue winning trophies, which is my main focus.
“Working with the manager is a dream – he has taught me so much about the game and I feel like I learn something new every single day.
“The success we’ve had in the last four years has been incredible. To be a part of it has been a dream come true and I just want to continue winning.
“This is the best place for me to play my football and fulfil my ambitions.”
Stones has helped City achieve domestic dominance, with Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup winners' medals to his name, while also playing a vital role in England's recent runs to the World Cup semi-final and Euro 2020 final.
City Director of Football Txiki Beigiristain explained how delighted the club were at keeping a player of Stones' calibre, declaring: “This is great news for our club.
“John is an exceptional footballer and a fantastic defender, whose attributes are well suited to our style of play. We knew when we signed him that we were getting a talented centre-back, but he has really matured in his five years here and, as we saw last season, is at the top of his game right now.
“John has been an important part of our recent success and we believe he can continue to help us achieve our goals, so for him to commit his best years to us is a major boost for the club.”
