Stones Doesn’t Regret Failed Chelsea Move
John Stones was heavily linked with a move to English giants Chelsea last season, with the then Chelsea manager José Mourinho admitting that he admired Stones a lot and was desperate to sign the Englishman.
Stones did hand in a transfer request at Everton in order to move to Chelsea, but the Toffees somehow managed to hold onto him.
In a recent interview, the former Everton defender said that he has no regrets over the failed move to Chelsea, as he now has the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola who he hails as the best manager in the world.
In the interview, Stones said:
“I suppose what happened turned out to be a blessing in disguise, I stated last year what I wanted to do. It didn’t happen and so I just got on with it, kept going, set out to win games and improve as a player.
“For me personally, I am now working with the best manager in the world. I’m over the moon to be at City and learning from a manager like Pep Guardiola.
“Obviously I am going to make some mistakes, but it is how I look to correct those and keep moving forward as a player. I came here because I want to be a winner. I’m like every other player — I just want to win some silverware.
Also See:
“It is difficult when there is a lot of speculation and a lot of things happening in your personal life. It just didn’t unsettle me, it affected my family as well.
“You cannot afford to waste any time as a player. When the game goes you cannot get it back, so it was a great learning curve for me last year and I feel I have come out of it stronger and a better person and player.
“I certainly don’t think my professionalism could be questioned because all I wanted to do was knuckle down and keep improving as a player. Hindsight is a great thing, but it has all worked out perfectly for me in the end.
“I kept myself fit and match-sharp before I came here, so it would just be a case of getting used to the players and the way we play. I just wanted to hit the ground running and show what I can do.
“I didn’t have to change anything. The gaffer knew how I played and it was just fine-tuning a few things and getting on the same page.
“I really enjoy the training and learning new things from him. He is an ultimate professional, Very detailed. He wants us to be on the same page going into every game. He gets a lot of points across to us.
“It is good because it keeps me thinking, gets me realising the situations we are in against different teams so I can make that decision while I am out there and make it quicker.”
Stones has enjoyed a brilliant start to his Manchester City career, and has started in all the three games for the table toppers so far.
Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook
