City will have to do it without one of their cornerstones

Bernardo Silva's departure from Manchester City will be the end of an era. However, that won't be the only closing chapter at Etihad Stadium this season, as John Stones will say goodbye to the sky-blue jersey after a decade.

The information was reported last week, and it has now received confirmation, as the defender announced an emotional farewell video on his Instagram account.

"They say all good things must come to an end… but this thing we have had has been the greatest, and it will remain a part of me forever," he wrote in the caption.

Stones joined the Manchester giants in August 2016 from Everton for €55.6 million, becoming Pep Guardiola's second signing since he sat on the Cityzens' bench. At the same time, he has been the last player from the Spaniard's maiden City squad (2016/2017) left in the club.

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During his stay at Etihad, the centre-back was one of the key figures in the greatest and most successful period in the club's history. He's won 19 trophies, including six Premier Leagues and the 2023 UEFA Champions League.

Stones was one of Guardiola's most reliable warriors on the pitch, and the lad who never held back. With 293 appearances and 19 goals, he's left an immense mark on the Manchester side and was one of the cornerstones of its development into what it is today.

In the end, it's hard to come up with a better description of the 31-year-old than the one included in a statement City issued on their official website.

"Armed with wonderful technique, a sublime passing range allied to a superb work rate and astute reading of the game, Stones was in many ways the very embodiment of Pep Guardiola’s City."

Fitting words for the loyal servant of the club.