Defender Stones joins inter Milan on free transfer

England defender John Stones has joined Italian champions Inter Milan on a free transfer and signed a two-year contract, bringing an end to his trophy-laden decade at Manchester City.

The 32-year-old left City when his deal expired at the end of June after 10 successful years at the Premier League club. Stones said he had “lived all my dreams out” after helping City win six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

Since becoming a free agent, the centre-back attracted interest from clubs across Europe, including Chelsea and Juventus, before ultimately choosing the Italian champions. Inter Milan were crowned Serie A champions for the 21st time last season and will begin their title defence against newly promoted Monza on Saturday, 22 August.

Former Barnsley defender Stones made 295 appearances for City, scoring 19 goals, after joining from Everton for £47.5 million in 2016. He has won 93 caps for England and was part of the squad that finished third at this summer’s World Cup, starting the quarter-final victory against Norway and the 2-1 semi-final defeat by Argentina.

The move to Inter represents a new chapter for the experienced defender, who will be looking to bring his wealth of experience to the Serie A champions as they prepare to defend their domestic crown and compete in European competition. Stones will be hoping to make an immediate impact in Italy’s top flight when the new season gets underway later this month.