England defender John Stones joined Serie A champions Inter Milan on Thursday, after a decade and numerous titles at Manchester City.
The 32-year-old Stones, who was a free agent after his City contract expired at the end of June, has signed a two-year deal with Inter worth a reported €4 million ($4.6m / £3.4m) a season.
Stones helped City win six Premier League titles and the Champions League, among other trophies.
“I’m someone who is very hungry to win again,” he told Inter’s website. “I’ve been very, very lucky and fortunate to have won so many things in the past. I want to bring that experience here and help the team, help the club and keep learning and growing as a player.
“I’m very excited,” Stones added. “Hopefully, I can bring all of my attributes, and I’m very, very open to learning new things and a new way of football and a new league.”
Stones arrives in Italy after playing a key role in helping England to the semifinals of the World Cup and has accumulated 94 caps for his country.
After coming through the youth system at Barnsley, Stones made the switch to Everton where he played for three years before moving to Manchester City where he became a key component in Pep Guardiola’s side.
Stones has now moved abroad for the first time in his career and joins a number of English players who are now taking the opportunity to play abroad, including World Cup stars Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively.
He becomes the second defender to make the switch from the Etihad Stadium to San Siro after Manuel Akanji made his loan move permanent earlier this summer.
Inter announced the signing on their website which read: “After 32 years in England, John Stones is ready for a new chapter in Milano, Italy. A new environment, a new league and a new challenge, backed by all the experience he has gained throughout his career.
“For the first time, he will no longer wear just blue, but black and blue. From the green fields of Barnsley to the San Siro pitch, after making history in Manchester, John Stones is ready for his next chapter at Inter.”
Stones managed just nine Premier League appearances last campaign after suffering from thigh and calf issues and he will be hoping he can have more of an impact this season.
The Associated Press and PA contributed to this report.
