Stones begins a new chapter in Italy

Experience, reliability and bags of quality. In two words: John Stones. Inter have taken the opportunity to bolster a defence set for a major overhaul following the departures of Francesco Acerbi and Stefan De Vrij, by snapping up the former Manchester City defender on a free transfer.

The arrival of the England defender represents a major boost for Inter’s current squad, as Cristian Chivu was in the market for a player with his qualities. Stones departed Manchester City at the end of the season and decided to take the leap abroad in search of a new footballing culture and much more.

Stones’ experience

One of the most influential players of Manchester City’s modern era, Stones spent ten seasons at the heart of Pep Guardiola’s defence. His City career came to an end at the same time as the manager who pushed for his signing back in 2016.

Stones had already shown what he was capable of during his Everton days, but with the Spanish coach at the helm, he came on in leaps and bounds from a technical perspective. He has become a complete defender, capable of building out from the back either as a centre-back or as part of a back three. He also reads the game superbly and is an all-round defensive talent.

The biggest question mark in recent seasons has been his ability to stay fit. That explains why the England defender has played little football over the past two seasons and was not a guaranteed starter at the World Cup in North America. However, his experience proved invaluable for Thomas Tuchel and his side, who claimed bronze by overcoming France in the third-place play-off.

Stones discussed the FIFA World Cup adventure during his unveiling as an Inter player: “I’m always proud to pull on my country’s shirt and to have done so on so many occasions, reaching some important milestones in the history of our national team. I was incredibly proud to have won the bronze medal. It wasn’t the result we’d set out to achieve, but we still managed to write another chapter in our history.”

Stones embarks on a new chapter

As a trophy-laden era at Manchester City comes to an end, Stones is ready to begin a new chapter in Italy with Inter. “I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of happiness, pride and excitement. It’s a new chapter for me, a new journey. And what better place to do it?” Stones said in an interview with Inter’s official media channels.

His winning mentality and the wealth of experience he gained during his time at Manchester City and with England are evident in his comments: “I’ve come here to win and fight for every trophy going. That’s always been my mentality throughout my career, no matter where I’ve played. I believe we’re capable of achieving big things, so the sky’s the limit.

I consider myself very fortunate for everything I’ve achieved in my career, and I want my experience to rub off on the lads and help the team and the club. At the same time, I want to keep learning and getting better as a footballer,” the centre-back added.

Stones also stressed the importance of developing relationships off the pitch, which is testament to his leadership qualities in the dressing room, something Guardiola has repeatedly highlighted in previous interviews: “I think the most important thing is to be a good team-mate. It’s one of the fundamental elements needed to build a successful team. Things won’t always go your way, and what really matters is helping the people around you succeed, because you never win alone. I really cherish the moments we share both on and off the pitch, because that’s how you build a tight-knit unit,” the defender concluded.

What Stones can bring to Inter

In Cristian Chivu’s system, Stones could play both as a centre-back and on the right-hand side of a back three. His ability to carry the ball beyond the first line of pressure and initiate attacks from deep is a valuable asset for an Inter team looking to control possession and play out from the back with composure. His versatility also gives the coach several tactical options during matches.

The 32-year-old offers an immediate solution to take Inter’s defence to the next level. The question mark over his ability to stay fit remains, but one thing is certain: Chivu has secured the services of one of the most cultured defenders of his generation.