Stones seals move to Inter Milan after leaving Manchester City on free transfer

Inter Milan have confirmed the signing of England defender John Stones on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Manchester City.

The 32-year-old centre-back has signed a deal with the Italian champions running until the summer of 2028.

Stones, who left City at the end of last season, joins Inter after an eight-year spell at Etihad Stadium, during which he established himself as one of the leading modern defenders in European football.

Inter announced the move on Thursday evening and highlighted the defender’s long international career, noting that his senior debut for England came on 30 May 2014. Stones has gone on to earn 94 caps for the Three Lions.

At club level, he moved to Manchester City in the summer of 2016 and flourished under manager Pep Guardiola. Inter’s presentation of the signing underlined how Stones developed into “one of the best modern defenders in world football” thanks to his intelligence, composure in possession and ability to initiate attacks from the back.

During his time in Manchester, Stones made 295 competitive appearances for Manchester City and scored 19 goals, contributing at both ends of the pitch as the club enjoyed a sustained period of domestic and European success.

‘A new chapter’ in Milan

Speaking to Inter’s official channel after completing the move, Stones said he was eager to begin life in Serie A.

He said: “I have so many feelings. I am very happy and extremely proud, and excited to start this new chapter and this new journey. I couldn’t have imagined a better place to experience it.”

Stones added that moving to Italy also represented a new experience away from the pitch.

“I’ve heard a lot about Milan, but I haven’t lived it myself yet,” he continued. “That’s what excites us, discovering the city, the culture and the people. And it’s also great that I already have some friends here to share this experience with.”

Hunger for more silverware

Stones arrives in Milan with extensive trophy-winning experience from his years at Manchester City. While he did not list specific titles, the defender stressed that his success in England had increased his appetite for further honours with Inter.

“I have an enormous desire to win more trophies,” he said. “I have been fortunate enough to win many titles during my career, and I want to use this experience here to help the team and the club. At the same time, I want to continue learning and developing as a footballer.”

Stones also highlighted the chance to reunite with a former Manchester City team-mate now on the staff at San Siro.

He said he was looking forward to “working with the coach, and also with Kolarov, who was my team-mate at Manchester City”.

Stones becomes the latest high-profile addition to an Inter Milan side that has been rebuilt in recent seasons with a blend of Italian and international talent, as the club seeks to maintain its domestic success and strengthen its position among Europe’s elite.