Defender wants Etihad stay despite Guardiola’s insistence that some players would need to leave
John Stones has rejected speculation linking him with a move away from Manchester City, calling the rumours “laughable” and insisting he remains fully committed to the club.
The England defender is entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad and has been the subject of mounting speculation this summer.
Stones said: “It’s laughable to me but I understand why people do it, and there’s nothing to comment on. I love it here, nothing’s happening. I’m here to fight and play, and hopefully win some trophies.”
However, City manager Pep Guardiola has repeatedly said that the squad is bloated and some players would need to leave.
“I would love to have the players that we have right now all season,” said Guardiola. “I love it. I don’t have any complaint about the players, how they behave.
“The problem is that they will be unhappy during the season. They will be sad. They will be disappointed. I don’t want that.
“For me it’s not a problem, I have more selection but I don’t like to have six or seven players or five players at home just in case there’s no injuries.
“I don’t want a big squad for them, not for me. So that’s why we have to see what happens.”
