John Stones outlines lesson Man City have learned since 2021 Champions League final defeat

Manchester City defender John Stones believes the squad is a lot calmer and more confident ahead of Saturday's Champions League final than they were two years ago.

The Blues travelled to Porto as favourites in 2021 to face Chelsea in the European final. Despite winning the Premier League and Carabao Cup that season, Pep Guardiola's men were unable to grab their third major trophy as Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game to win the competition for Thomas Tuchel's side.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Stones admitted the pain of defeat in Portugal is driving them onwards ahead of the clash with Inter Milan. "Coming out on the losing side was super hard and it hit home hard anyway," the centre-back explained.

"I think that is one of the biggest things [heading into this match], that feeling sticks with you and you don't ever want to feel that again. We seem a lot calmer and more confident this time going into this game and we know we should believe in ourselves."

ALSO READ: Guardiola has discovered one of City's most important players

It has been quite the rise for Stones who started his career at Barnsley before moving to Everton and eventually the Blues. He explained he could never have expected to accomplish as much as he has when he first started out in the game.

"I never thought I would be a professional never mind playing for England, never mind playing in the Premier League, never mind winning the Premier League," he added. "It is strange to say it sometimes as I think about where I came from and the journey and everything which has made me who I am today. I can't put it into words sometimes."

If City are victorious this weekend, they will complete a historic treble after already securing the Premier League