When injuries and a struggle to establish himself as a starter prompted doubts about the future of England defender John Stones at Manchester City in 2018, his manager, Pep Guardiola, issued a stirring statement that made it clear he backed the defender. “I don’t know how long I will be here in Manchester but as long as I’m here, John Stones will be with us,” he said.
True to his word, Guardiola has kept faith with Stones through good times and bad, irrespective of mistakes or magnificence.
When there has been criticism of the player, doubts about his quality, or speculation in the summer of 2020 that he would be sold, his manager has often cited the ball-playing center-back’s character and courage. “It was hard,” Stones admitted during an exclusive interview with Arab News. “I didn’t want to leave City, first and foremost, and I didn’t want to give up. “I’ve always been a fighter, from a young age when I had setbacks at age groups, when they said I was too small.
I wanted to stay true to myself and show, not to anyone in particular but to myself, that I could do it. I believe I am here for a reason and I am good enough. “All that seems a while ago now but I’m really proud of myself for what I did and what I’m doing now.