John Stones has completed a move to Inter Milan after leaving Manchester City at the end of his contract this summer.
The 32-year-old switches to Italy as a free agent after a decade at City, where he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League. Inter had stepped up negotiations earlier this week before completing the deal.
“I feel a lot of emotions, an overwhelming feeling of happiness, pride and excitement,” said Stones. “Ready to start this new chapter, this new journey, and what a place to do it.
The England defender admitted changing clubs after a decade was a big decision but that he had his family’s support.
“Definitely [it’s a big step],” Stones said. “When this opportunity came, I spoke with my family and we didn’t hesitate to come here. We are excited to get to know another culture, the people, and it is nice that I have some friends here to do that with.”
The transfer reunites Stones with former Manchester City teammate Manuel Akanji, who completed a permanent move to San Siro this summer after spending last season on loan at the club.
Inter secured the Serie A title last season by finishing 11 points clear of Napoli in Christian Chivu’s first campaign as head coach. They also defeated Lazio in the Coppa Italia final to complete a domestic double, and Stones becomes another experienced addition as the club looks to build on that success.
Stones attracted interest from several European clubs before deciding on the move to Italy. Chelsea were in the market for an experienced defender and Arsenal had also explored adding cover at centre-back after William Saliba suffered a back injury.
The defender’s final year at City were affected by fitness problems. Stones made 18 appearances in all competitions last term and started only five Premier League matches, although he secured a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.
He featured in five matches in the US, starting the quarter-final victory over Norway and the semi-final defeat to Argentina, before completing his move to Inter this week.
